[tomjwright]

Thanks to both of you for responding. I should have read the User Guide more carefully. My reason for trying to copy only the user files is that I have a desktop that I use regularly and a laptop that I use only occasionally. The two computers don't have all the same applications installed (a personal choice). I had hoped that by using the User Files backup (from a drive that duplicates the internal drive on the desktop) onto the laptop I would be able to quickly update all the user files on the laptop without disturbing the other files.

I understand now that this was wishful thinking on my part. I'll look into using Time Machine or the brute force method of replacing the user files on the laptop with those on the desktop via the Finder.

Thanks again.