Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question

How can I transfer Laptop data from my current hard disk to an SSD without having to re-install my operating systems?

Tags:
  • Laptops
  • Storage
  • Hard Drives
  • Operating Systems
Last response: in Storage
Share
September 29, 2013 6:01:54 AM

Hi,

I have a laptop with a 500GB hard drive partitioned between Windows and Ubuntu. I want to transfer my operating systems to a 120GB SSD for improved performance and keep the hard disk for data storage.

Is there any way to do this without having to re-install the operating systems from scratch? I don't want to have to re-purchase Windows, and also have to deal with re-adjusting all of my settings and preferences again.

Thanks for any help!

More about : transfer laptop data current hard disk ssd install operating systems

a c 303 D Laptop
a c 919 G Storage
September 29, 2013 6:37:22 AM

As your Windows partition is likely larger than 100GB, you're going to have issues.

When going from a HDD to an SSD, reinstalling Windows is the generally recommended procedure.
Why?
1. Fresh start on the new drive. Why bring along all that old crap
2. You can't port over just the Windows install.

Assuming the activation key is still on the bottom of the laptop, you don't have to buy it again. You can download the relevant Windows ISO, and use your existing key.
Look here for the ISO files
http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-...

Burn to a DVD, and install.
Yes, redoing all your settings is kind of a pain. But it really is the best way to do it.

The only other option is to reduce the size of your Windows partition to under 100GB. Uninstall applications, move personal files elsewhere, etc. Then you can potentially use one of the many clone/migration tools to do it. But you'll still have a lot of reinstalling/reconfiguring to do.
m
0
l
September 29, 2013 9:29:55 AM

Hi USAFRet,

Thanks for the help. I guess your suggestion is probably the easiest one. Unfortunately I cannot find the activation key for windows under my laptop.

There is a thin sticker underneath with a bar code and the words "service tag:" but the actual service tag code is partially rubbed out. Would this be it? I cannot seem to find anything else that would be a product key.
m
0
l
Related resources
a c 303 D Laptop
a c 919 G Storage
September 29, 2013 11:59:32 AM

fat-chunk said:
Hi USAFRet,

Thanks for the help. I guess your suggestion is probably the easiest one. Unfortunately I cannot find the activation key for windows under my laptop.

There is a thin sticker underneath with a bar code and the words "service tag:" but the actual service tag code is partially rubbed out. Would this be it? I cannot seem to find anything else that would be a product key.


Where did you buy it? They 'might' be able to tell you what the activation key is. Although without the full service tag, that may be problematic.
m
0
l
November 23, 2013 1:02:27 AM

USAFRet said:
As your Windows partition is likely larger than 100GB, you're going to have issues.

When going from a HDD to an SSD, reinstalling Windows is the generally recommended procedure.
Why?
1. Fresh start on the new drive. Why bring along all that old crap
2. You can't port over just the Windows install.

Assuming the activation key is still on the bottom of the laptop, you don't have to buy it again. You can download the relevant Windows ISO, and use your existing key.
Look here for the ISO files
http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-...

Burn to a DVD, and install.
Yes, redoing all your settings is kind of a pain. But it really is the best way to do it.

The only other option is to reduce the size of your Windows partition to under 100GB. Uninstall applications, move personal files elsewhere, etc. Then you can potentially use one of the many clone/migration tools to do it. But you'll still have a lot of reinstalling/reconfiguring to do.


m
0
l
a b D Laptop
a c 253 G Storage
November 23, 2013 12:08:44 PM

Google "Belarc Advisor". D/L and install it and it will give you your product keys for all of your installed software/OS.

Yogi
m
0
l
!