OP wrote:
"I did a CCC clone from my startup disc on an external SSD. Can I use migration assistant with that?"
OK, here's where you "went wrong".
You SHOULD HAVE used the CCC cloned backup right from the start.
But you don't want to use migration assistant now, I think, because the Mini (as it sits right now) is probably "half-migrated". You don't want TWO "primary" accounts -- you will end up in "permissions hell".
Is there now an account ON the Mini?
Even though the previous migration "failed"?
If there IS an account on the Mini, I'd proceed this way:
- boot to the account that's on the Mini NOW
- open System Settings
- go to the menu bar, and from System Settings choose "erase all content and settings"
- this will invoke the erase assistant.
- follow through with the instructions
This will "return" the Mini to an "out-of-the-box" state -- ready for a proper migration.
If there IS NOT currently an account on the Mini, just proceed as below.
Now, BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING ELSE, connect the CCC backup.
Next, power up the Mini and begin setup again.
When setup assistant asks if you wish to migrate from another drive, YES, you want to do this, so...
... point the way to the CCC backup.
Give setup assistant time to "digest" everything (takes a while).
SA will present you with a list of stuff to migrate.
I'd just accept everything and let SA do its thing.
When done, you should see your old login screen.
Good luck.
