Issue Description
From time to time, ARCHICAD users will purchase a new computer and they are frustrated to find out that ARCHICAD is not working or not working correctly. Most of the time this happens with Apple Mac computers where the Apple Migration Assistant was used to transfer data from an older Mac. And this is not an ARCHICAD-only problem. We have found it can happen to any and all advanced applications such as Microsoft Office Products and Adobe products, etc.
Solution
Apple Migration Assistant
The Apple Migration Assistant is a great idea… in theory. It is an automated utility that at first makes transitioning to a new computer feel quite seamless since it brings all of your Apps and Document files to your new computer. But remember this about computers: garbage in/garbage out.
Due to the fact that the AMA is an automated utility, in addition to the stuff you do want, it quite often also migrates a number of unwanted/unnecessary data. Often you will also see a number of permissions issues on files and folders in the User accounts which can cause all sorts of buggy behavior in software on the new computer.
Should I Not Use the Apple Migration Assistant?
It is a bit like rolling the dice. There is a chance it will work out, but there is also a chance your new Mac will be cluttered with files and functionality issues in your software. So, if you wish to give it a try, just be sure to first do a complete backup of your system just in case you need to restore it. Also, after you use the Apple Migration Assistant, take some time to test out your software and see if it is behaving any worse or if you are running into errors. If so, it is possible the Migration process had some rough patches in the transition.
The Safe Route
Although it takes more planning and effort, it pays to know precisely what is getting installed into your new computer and have the piece of mind that it is a clean install.
On the old computer…
- Back up your entire system as a precaution using Time Machine or 3rd party backup utility.
- Make a list of all the applications you currently use and locate installers, serial numbers, etc. (Also check with the manufacturer about compatibility with the OS on the new computers)
- Export application-specific data (such as web browser bookmarks)
- Export copies of your documents to an external drive, cloud storage, etc.
On the new computer…
- Start the new computer and if prompted to use the Apple Migration Assistant, skip this step.
- Start with a clean slate, new user account on the new machine.
- Using the information from step 2. install your applications, including versions of ARCHICAD that are compatible and supported on the new operating system.
- Import application-specific data (such as web browser bookmarks)
- Import your documents from the external drive, cloud storage, etc.
Sound like a lot of work? Yes it is!
Is it worth it? Yes it is!
After setting up your new computer you will have a clear understanding of what is installed on your computer and know that your computer is not littered with extraneous data or permissions problems. Just like cleaning your home, it pays to do house-keeping on your computer as well.