This article contains tips and instructions on how to back up files and settings on Mac (Apple) computers.
Return here easily using go/backupmac/.
Contents
Make a list of software you want on your new or re-imaged computer.
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Review our standard software list — these programs are installed without you needing to ask.
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Refresh your memory on the software you use:
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Review the program icons on your Dock and Desktop.
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Open the Applications folder (Go > Applications), then review the program folders within.
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See our checklist of common apps to install or set-up on a new Mac computer.
For your other software needs, use Self Service (go/selfservice/) to download the apps you need.
"Local" files are ones that are only stored on your computer's hard drive, as opposed to in the cloud or in a department folder on Middfiles.
If copies of these files are not saved elsewhere, they will not be available on your new or refreshed computer.
If you have documents scattered all over your desktop, or if you use folders such as "Documents," "Pictures," and "Music", then you likely have items that will be lost if you do not follow the appropriate steps.
To save local files to the cloud:
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Open Finder by clicking the blue and white smiling icon icon on your Dock.
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On the top menu bar, click Go > Home.
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You'll see a variety of local folders which can contain important items. Review the contents of these folders, in particular looking for document, spreadsheet, presentation, image, and other important file types:
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Desktop - this folder holds everything you have on your computer's desktop
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Documents, Music, Pictures, and Movies - these folders are where most people find items they need to copy elsewhere
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Downloads - check here in case you need to save any recently downloaded files
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Drag and drop work-related files from these local folders to OneDrive, Google Drive, shared departmental cloud or middfiles storage, or any other appropriate storage devices (e.g., USB drive, hard drive, etc.) to ensure access from your replacement computer.
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Refer to OneDrive use or Google Drive use for detailed instructions on how to get started with these services.
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Any work-related media files, such as pictures and videos, may be stored in your Middlebury OneDrive, Google Drive, or departmental shared storage—however, NON-work-related files must be copied to a personally-owned external storage device or personal cloud storage.
These files can either be backed up using the same methods as other local files (right above) or they can be synced with iCloud using an Apple ID. While Middlebury does not provide accounts or additional storage for iCloud, you can create an Apple ID with your Middlebury credentials, with which you can use the free 5GB of storage or purchase your own iCloud+ storage plan.
Most web browsers support syncing of bookmarks and other settings, so you don't have to locate and copy them yourself, or manually re-create them. Once you create an account for the browser(s) you use, you can use it to log in on other devices, and your bookmarks and other settings will be brought in for you automatically.
Web browsers also support saving bookmarks and settings to a file that can be used on different devices or browsers. This process is known as exporting and importing.
The instructions for both syncing and import/exporting bookmarks/favorites can be found at go/bookmarks/.
You'll want to make note of the names of the printers that are currently installed on your computer, as you will need to re-install them. You can see all installed printers at System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
Do you have access to other email accounts in addition to your own? Scroll through Outlook's navigation pane on the left and note the names of all other such accounts. It's best to know what should appear, as only accounts for which you are the owner will re-appear automatically on the new or refreshed computer. You will need to add all others manually. See Shared Mailboxes for more information.
Email signatures are also stored locally and will not be available on your new or re-imaged computer. If you only use one or two Outlook signatures, it's quicker to recreate them by copying from an old message once you have your new or refreshed computer.
If you use multiple signatures, you'll want to save the files for later use: How To Import, Export, and Transfer Outlook Signatures.
Individual contacts and contact lists (i.e., groups) that are created using Outlook for Mac are stored locally and will not be available on your new or re-imaged computer. If you can use Outlook Web App instead, this information will be stored in the cloud with your email account.
If you have been using the Outlook application and need to save your contacts and lists:
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View your On My Computer folders.
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Click the Outlook menu, then choose Preferences.
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Under Personal Settings, click General.
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DE-select Hide On My Computer folders. Now you'll be able to access the locally-stored files you need to save for later use.
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Office Templates
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Autocorrect entries
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Settings preferences
De-authorize your computer for Apple Account purchases — do this ONLY if your computer is being replaced, not just refreshed
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If you are an Apple iTunes user and store music, photos, etc. on your computer, it is very important that you Deauthorize your old computer before ITS replaces it. This process allows you to release your personal iTunes account (with attached device ID) so it can be applied on a new computer.