G5 system preferrences problem

kbi · 08-31-2004, 07:11 AM

I got a new G5, and thought I could just copy my user preferrences over from my G4. It worked, but it screwed up my system preferrences on the G5, it crashes everytime I try to run it.

Becuase of this, I tried to start over and reinstall the original startup disc (on the G5) and it won't let me. It simply says cannot install on this drive (null). Now I'm really stuck. Any suggestions?

Then after I get that figured out, I still have my orginal problem. Is there any easy way to tranfere my files and preferences over to a new computer like this? Or do I have to start over and reinstall everything from scratch?

08-31-2004, 07:28 AM

Being a Windows bod, I know that you can't just replace a HD from one machine ino a different totally different spec machine and expect it to woro, cos (on Windows at least) it won't (which in theory, is what you are trying to do). I will probably be proved wrong but I would say back up all the essential stuff in your home directory and start again.

waked1 · 08-31-2004, 07:40 AM

You'll probably find your problem is related to the permissions on your new system as your preference files will be owned by a user that doesn't exist on your G5.
You could try logging in as the admin user on the machine and do

Code:

sudo chown -R yourusername /users/yourusername/library

(replacing yourusername with your actual username). This will reset th epermissions.
If you do need to rebuild the machine, you can open Disk Utility from the Installer menu after booting from the CD to initialise the disk again.

kbi · 08-31-2004, 12:50 PM

Thank you, that is very helpful. I will try that. I'm not familar with how to do that exactly. Could you walk me through step by step? I got confused with which yourusername goes where, etc. Thanks!

FauxCaster · 08-31-2004, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbi


	Is there any easy way to tranfere my files and preferences over to a new computer like this? Or do I have to start over and reinstall everything from scratch?

I assume you've got Panther (since it's a new g5). Do a search in your mac help files, there is a Set Assistant to do it via Firewire.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac Help Manual


	Transferring files from your old Mac to your new one The first time you turned on your new Mac, the Setup Assistant started up and may have asked if you wanted to transfer information from your existing Mac to your new one. If you did not transfer your settings and files from your old Mac to your new one when you first set up your new Mac, you can use the Setup Assistant to transfer your information. 1. Locate the Setup Assistant in Applications/Utilities. 2. Open it and follow the onscreen instructions. You can transfer all of the information from your old Mac to your new one, including network and account settings, files, and even applications. The Setup Assistant will walk you through connecting your Macs using a FireWire cable. If you don't see the Setup Assistant in the Utilities folder, your computer might not support this.

kbi · 09-01-2004, 08:14 PM

Thanks so much! It was as simple as keeping the same user name. I had to reflush everything, but it's working great now! Thanks everybody!

08-31-2004, 07:11 AM	#1
kbi Prospect Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8	G5 system preferrences problem I got a new G5, and thought I could just copy my user preferrences over from my G4. It worked, but it screwed up my system preferrences on the G5, it crashes everytime I try to run it. Becuase of this, I tried to start over and reinstall the original startup disc (on the G5) and it won't let me. It simply says cannot install on this drive (null). Now I'm really stuck. Any suggestions? Then after I get that figured out, I still have my orginal problem. Is there any easy way to tranfere my files and preferences over to a new computer like this? Or do I have to start over and reinstall everything from scratch?

08-31-2004, 07:40 AM	#3
waked1 Triple-A Player Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Posts: 211	You'll probably find your problem is related to the permissions on your new system as your preference files will be owned by a user that doesn't exist on your G5. You could try logging in as the admin user on the machine and do Code: sudo chown -R yourusername /users/yourusername/library (replacing yourusername with your actual username). This will reset th epermissions. If you do need to rebuild the machine, you can open Disk Utility from the Installer menu after booting from the CD to initialise the disk again. __________________ G5 2x2GHz, 4.0GB, Rad 9800 Pro, 10.5.x MacBook Pro 2.4Ghz (2008) arriving Thursday!

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08-31-2004, 07:28 AM	#2
ibroughton Guest Posts: n/a	Being a Windows bod, I know that you can't just replace a HD from one machine ino a different totally different spec machine and expect it to woro, cos (on Windows at least) it won't (which in theory, is what you are trying to do). I will probably be proved wrong but I would say back up all the essential stuff in your home directory and start again.

08-31-2004, 12:50 PM	#4
kbi Prospect Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8	Thank you, that is very helpful. I will try that. I'm not familar with how to do that exactly. Could you walk me through step by step? I got confused with which yourusername goes where, etc. Thanks!

09-01-2004, 08:14 PM	#6
kbi Prospect Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 8	Thanks so much! It was as simple as keeping the same user name. I had to reflush everything, but it's working great now! Thanks everybody!