How best to transfer software/authorization to new iMac?

[jc_vt]

I've just upgraded my iMac, and need to transfer all my music software. I've been backing up to Time Machine, and may do a restore to the new computer to see how that works. I suspect some authorizations will transfer over, others may not. Is there a better strategy? Which vendors' products transfer easy and which require more effort? Thanks for any suggestions!

[timobrien]

There is no magic solution. Take the time and run the installers.

[jc_vt]

I've been contacting software vendors for help, and quite a few (e.g. Synthmaster, Glitchmachines, Sinevibes,etc) do not require special authorization or just need to re-enter serial number and DO recommend restoring from Time Machine. I'll be doing that, and then taking special steps where needed.

[sprnva]

Restoring from Time Machine should be fine. Some protections are tied to your ethernet card's mac address so these will need to be re-authorised. Just keep the old iMac around in case you need to deactivate any software on it in order to activate it on the new one (computer-based iLok activation for example).