Is there a way to retrieve files from an old Time Machine backup of another computer?

[PunMachine]

I have a unique problem. I had 2 different model MacBooks operating simultaneously. I have a disk with time machine backup files from one of them that had completely died. Is there a way to recover this backup to an external hard drive in order to try and retrieve, for example, old project files that were ink on that device?

Best case scenario I can think of is to create a bootable external HD from a time machine image saved from the old computer. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[appltech]

Absolutely.

1. Plug in your external backup device to your Mac and make sure it's powered on.
2. Go into Finder and click on the external backup device.
3. Select the folder called Backups.backupdb.
4. Double click on the folder with the name of the Mac.
5. You will see folders identified for the dates backups occurred. Drill down to find the documents you wish to review.
6. Copy and paste the files/folders you want to copy to your computer.

Please note: Make sure you don't "Move" the files or rename them. If you alter any of them, you may have problems using the native Time Machine app with that backup instance. Instead, only copy and paste.

(credits to iMore.com)