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Computer-specific preference files -- caveats to migrating to a new computer

 

Some application preferences on Mac OS X are considered "host-specific." Host-specific preferences will be ignored if you boot your cloned operating system from another Macintosh. For example, the screen saver preferences are host-specific -- if you boot another Macintosh from your bootable clone and the screen saver kicks in, you will notice that it has reverted to the default settings. Do not fear that you have lost any data, your original preferences will be "restored" when you boot again from your original computer.

Host-specific preferences may also be ignored if you have your computer's motherboard replaced. In this case, it will be necessary to reapply your preferences in these applications.

To learn exactly what preferences are host-specific, navigate in the Finder to your home directory, then to Library/Preferences/ByHost.