Backing Up Your Data (Mac)

For Faculty/Staff Only!

Before upgrading your Mac to another OS or receiving a new Mac, you’ll need to backup/save all your data. Follow these instructions to ensure a smooth transition from one device to another.

Backing Up Your Bookmarks

Instructions for backing up bookmarks:

Note 1: You must back up your bookmarks before the upgrade or swap is complete, or you will lose access to this data. 

Note 2: If you use a different browser, try doing a web search for “backup bookmarks [browser]”

Note 3: If you experience issues backing up your bookmarks, feel free to reach out to the Help Desk for assistance by phone at (404) 471-5487 or via email at itshelp@agnesscott.edu

Backing Up Your Files

You have a few options for backing up your files for your upcoming MacOS upgrade or new computer install!

  • Option 1: External Storage (Recommended)

    • Best For: You have many files and/or large files that will not upload quickly to Google Drive. If you use specialized software with unique file extensions, this is likely the best option for you.

    • Tools Needed: A self-purchased thumb drive or external hard drive to store your files OR a borrowed external HD from the Help Desk. 

    • Backup Styles:

      • Option 1A - Manual (Recommended)

      • Option 1B - Automatic aka Time Machine (Best For... Keeping a consistent data backup)

        • IMPORTANT NOTE: Please do not do the default time machine restoration. Doing so will mess up the ASC-specific configurations that we've done and cause issues down the road. As a safe bet, follow the instructions we've laid out here.

  • Option 2: Google Drive

    • Best For: You need to backup/save a small number of documents and images. Staff and faculty have unlimited storage in Google Drive.

    • Tools Needed: A stable internet connection. 

    • Backup Styles:

Note: Please DO NOT use your network storage location (your "W: Drive") for file backups. This location is for access between members of your department or storage of frequently-used documents, and should not be used as a replacement for individual backups as storage space is limited.

 

Option 1: External Storage (Recommended)

Prior to utilizing the Manual or Automatic external storage options, follow these steps: 

  1. See how much data you have From your desktop, go to the Apple icon > About > Storage to view how many GB of files you have stored on your computer. You can use this information to ensure the external drive or thumb drive you purchase will be sufficient.

  2. Obtain a flash drive or an external hard drive

    • Purchasing external storage (encouraged)

      • Having an external storage device is always recommended as it will allow you to backup or transfer your files easily in the future!

        • For moving less than 200 GB of data, try using a 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB Flash Drive.
        • For moving more than 200GB of storage, consider looking into a 1TB external drive like this Seagate or this WD.

    • Borrowing external storage

      • We loan users a 1 TB external hard drive purely for the purpose of backing up/saving all their data. Just let us know if you need one. The external drive must be returned upon the delivery or pickup of your new computer.

The external storage device will automatically install when plugged in. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for setting it up. 

Option 1A - Manual (Recommended)

  1. Move files from your computer to the external storage location:

    1. Open a Finder window.
    2. In the menu bar, select "Go" then "Computer".
    3. In the Finder window that opens, double-click "Macintosh HD" then "Users"
    4. Right-click and copy the folder entitled [your username] (ex: your ASC username is bsmith, find the folder entitled bsmith).
    5. Paste said folder onto the external HD. Wait until the data migration is complete.
    6. Double-check that all your files are present.

  2. Move files back onto your new or recently upgraded computer:

    1. Sign into the new/recently upgraded computer.
    2. Plug in the external HD.
    3. From the external HD, double-click your user folder to see the folders nestled inside.
    4. Right-click a folder, select copy.
    5. Open another Finder window.
    6. Navigate to "Go" > "Computer" > "Macintosh HD - Data" > Users > [your username]
    7. Right-click the equivalent folder to the one chosen in Step 4. Select "Paste".
    8. Keep this finder window open and repeat Steps 4 - 7 until you've pasted the contents of each folder on the external HD.

Option 1B - Automatic aka Time Machine

  1. Back up your data on your old Mac

    1. Plug in a blank self-purchased external HD into your old Mac.
    2. Follow the instructions found here. If your new device is a MacBook, make sure it's plugged in for the duration of this process.
    3. Once the Time Machine backup has been completed, eject the external HD.

  2. Move your data to your new Mac Again, do not do the default time machine restoration. Doing so can mess up ASC-specific configurations, making it difficult to service your machine if/when the time comes. Follow these instructions instead.

    1. Plug in your Time Machine backup into your new Mac.
    2. Follow steps 2 - 6 listed here
    3. When selecting the information to transfer, only select your user folder. DO NOT select the other options.
    4. Click continue to start the transfer. If your new device is a MacBook, make sure it's plugged in for the duration of this process.

Option 2: Google Drive

Option 2A: Automatic Sync

To get started with this method, download Drive for desktop here.

  1. Download Drive and follow prompts to configure it with your agnesscott.edu email account.

  2. Check the boxes beside each folder on your computer you would like to have backed up to the cloud.

  3. Verify that your files have been backed up, go to your Google Drive and select "Computers” to view files from any device on which you have installed Google Drive.

  4. Restore your files:

    1. Configure Drive for desktop on your new device.
    2. In your Google Drive, drag all folders (e.g., Documents, Desktop) from your backup, named “Computer,” or “Laptop” to the new device, which will usually be named “Computer(1)” or “Laptop(1).” 
    3. Documents should start to download back to the local folders on your computer. If you experience issues with this process, please reach out to the Help Desk for assistance.
  • Note 1: This is a great time to rename the new computer in Google Drive to make it more recognizable. The old folder can be deleted once files are removed and you verify that they are available on your new computer.
  • Note 2: Alternatively, you can manually download individual files or whole folders from “My Computer” in your Google Drive by right-clicking on the file and selecting “Download.”
  • Note 3: If you download entire folders, you’ll need to unzip the file using a program like 7-Zip. Please reach out to the Help Desk for assistance if you experience issues unzipping files.

Option 2B: Manual

  1. Manually upload folders or individual files to Google Drive:

    1. Go to your Google Drive and sign in with your college credentials. In the upper left hand corner of the screen, you will find a button that says "New."
    2. Click this button and choose whether you want to upload a file (single file) or a folder.

  2. Restore files to your computer:

    1. Simply download the files to your new or newly upgraded computer from your Google Drive by right-clicking on a document and selecting “download.”
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