> >-- some caches and other files associated with various software;
Caches, by definition, should never be copied.
Not sure I agree with you there. But it may depend on the precise cache file(s).
hum. What caches are you thinking of?
> >-- some key code and serial number and validation files for some programs.
Most apps will reask for their s/n even if you copy their prefs files over.
Preference files don't necessarily contain registration information. I haven't had occasion to check in OS X, but in past years that information has often been located in invisible files.
Well, that got me curious, so I ran some searches on my Macs here. There be invisible file system databases, some scratch files, virtual memory paging files, and custom icon files. The former aren't useful and the last gets copied automatically when you drag the folder. AppleTalk has a database of folder permissions, but they die when you copy them to a different drive. Interarchy keeps a hidden prefs file - looks like a backup of the visible one. Virtual keeps a hidden registration file - that dies when you copy it. That's all I've got.
I know this is moot for this main subject of this thread. But I think this is important. Do you have any specific invisible files in mind, beyond the above?
>The ones that don't probably need to be installed on the newmachine properly anyway.
I don't reinstall anything unless I have to. Maybe it's a long-time hold0ver from the early Mac days. Remember when you had to hand feed 10-15 floppy disks just to install Microsoft Excel? :-) I go with the the easiest (but workable) option. For example, I have *never* done a clean install, or System re-install for that matter.
hum. Some apps I do tend to just copy, along with their Prefs files. TurboTax, games, etc. But some apps it really does pay to do an actual install. That way their installer script gets the chance to hand you the pieces apropos to your new computer - AppleWorks for example.
As for the OS itself... I've never done a reinstall either. But I do try to do a clean install for major OS releases (7->8, 8->9). I do this just because it gives me a chance to clean things up, get rid of the dead wood. Actually, I don't do just a clean install. It's a clean custom install for All Macs. In the custom settings I turn on a lot of the optional items and turn off all the MS crud. That creates a "master" System Folder. I drag a copy of that to a ZIP disk and that disk can boot every Mac I've got (+/- OS vers issues).
>The new eMac comes with its own operating system. We're talkingabout copying USER data here, and maybe a few apps.
My current mantra: the more information given, the easier it's understood and the better the advice should be. :-) OTOH you can't completely discount senior moments and dropped brain-bits. LOL
Your assumption was reasonable. And you've brought up some valid points.
heh. Ended up going back to my old PB's HD last night to retrieve some fonts...
- Dan.
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