Using Windows System Image To Transfer To A New Hard Drive

JBails · Apr 7, 2013

Basically, I'm swapping out my current 1TB hard drive for a shiny new 2TB one, and I was kind of hoping I could just use the Backup and Restore function to create a system image, and plop it onto the new hard drive.
1. Is this possible?
2. If so, then is it just a case of creating the system image, and then unplugging the current drive and running the system recovery disc?

RetiredChief · Apr 7, 2013

1) Might be easier if you just download EasyUS, connect the New HDD to compute and run easyUS to migrate first HDD->2nd HDD. When done, reboot and goto bios to select new HDD as first boot device.
http://www.easeus.com/backup/

But Yes you can use win 7 backup and create a system image. need a internal or external HDD to put the image on - or a whole bunch of DVDs. Once the i9mage is created you will be prompted to create a repair DVD. Once done Then unplug Old HDD, plug in new one. Boot to repair dvd and select repair using an image. when done reboot to New HDD.

rgd1101 · Apr 7, 2013

use clonezilla to clone form the 1TB to 2TB.
Then boot up with the 2TB, if is works fine. Use partition master http://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htm

Hawkeye22 · Jun 11, 2013

If both of these drives are WD, then you can use their version of acronis to clone the drive. This may also work with non-WD drives, but I haven't tried it.

http://support.wdc.com/product/downloaddetail.asp?swid=119&wdc_lang=en

JPNpower · Jun 11, 2013

Side question,

Is this the same for SSDs, say can I migrate HDD image over to SSD, and be done?

RetiredChief · Jun 11, 2013

The Best solution going from HDD -> SSD is ofcoarse a clean install; However,
I've used Ez-Gig-IV to With good results.
.. It will redo partition size to match the normally smaller SSD.
.. Properly align the partition for SSDs
.. Enable TRIM
.. If HDD was installed using IDE mode, Believe it even switchs that to AHCI

PS, it will also migrate OS from 1 TB drive to 2 TB new drive.

Not Free as it requires a specific SATA-> USB cable (But the cable is handy of other tasks SO WORTH it.
Currently $14 after $5 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812161004
Note: if it comes with Version II, goto website and down load the ISO for Ver IV (It's free upgrade).

NOTE: For HDD -> HDD, do not plug the USB straight into Computer USB port. Use a Powered Hub. Reason is that most HDD require more power than a computer USB Port can provide (USB 2 port can only provide upto a max of 2.5W.)

JPNpower · Jun 11, 2013

RetiredChief :

The Best solution going from HDD -> SSD is ofcoarse a clean install; However,
I've used Ez-Gig-IV to With good results.
.. It will redo partition size to match the normally smaller SSD.
.. Properly align the partition for SSDs
.. Enable TRIM
.. If HDD was installed using IDE mode, Believe it even switchs that to AHCI

PS, it will also migrate OS from 1 TB drive to 2 TB new drive.

Not Free as it requires a specific SATA-> USB cable (But the cable is handy of other tasks SO WORTH it.
Currently $14 after $5 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812161004
Note: if it comes with Version II, goto website and down load the ISO for Ver IV (It's free upgrade).

NOTE: For HDD -> HDD, do not plug the USB straight into Computer USB port. Use a Powered Hub. Reason is that most HDD require more power than a computer USB Port can provide (USB 2 port can only provide upto a max of 2.5W.)

Thanks for the SSD info.
As for the USB cable, would that work even with high powerd 10,000 RPM hard drives?

RetiredChief · Jun 11, 2013

Yes you can use that cable for SSDs and HDDs, Just remember for HDDs do not plug directly into computer USB port must use a POWERED USB hub.

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Using Windows System Image To Transfer To A New Hard Drive

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RetiredChief

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rgd1101

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RetiredChief

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