How to move Windows 7 to new HDD Partition

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ObL1t3r4t0r

ObL1t3r4t0r

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Apr 16, 2014
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Hello,

I have recently decided to upgrade my PC system by adding an SSD, my intentions are to put Windows, drivers and a few games on it. I know how to do this, however in order to clone my current HDD the SSD size would need to be huge! Therefore I would like to know whether it is possible to isolate Windows on a new small partition on my current HDD. So I am able to just clone that partition rather than my entire 750GB HDD which isn't possible as the SSD is only 120GB!

I do not have the disk for Windows as it came pre-installed onto my HDD. I am running Windows 7-64bit Home Premium.

If you require any further information, I'd gladly provide it.

I really appreciate any help!

Cheers,

ObL1t3r4t0r
 
Solution
bicycle_repair_man
If you've replaced the motherboard you may not even be able to activate Windows. Pre-built PCs will come with a copy of Windows that's tied to the motherboard. Whilst you can usually swap the motherboard and still activate Windows, this only works a certain amount of times. If you can't activate online you'll need to call Microsoft for an activation code, at which point, they may refuse to give you one.

You used to be able to download Windows installation images from Digital River, which is an official Microsoft partner site. You can then use an application like BurnAware Free to create a disc and go through the usual installation process. If you go down this route, you'll still have the potential activation problem above.

I'd first...
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bicycle_repair_man

bicycle_repair_man

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Jan 10, 2014
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The only way to "move" a Windows installation is to either clone or reinstall. Unfortunately, cloning won't help you as it will include everything on the HDD.

As you don't have any installation media, I presume that your PC was bought off the shelf? If so, most manufacturers have a hidden partition that can be used to rebuild the PC back to factory-fresh settings. This is usually instigated by a key press during boot up. Whether or not this rebuild process will allow you to specify which drive to install to is another story.

One possible solution would be to create a new partition and move your data and applications to it, leaving just the OS on the original partition. You can then use CloneZilla to create an image of that partition and restore it to the SSD.
 
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ObL1t3r4t0r

ObL1t3r4t0r

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Apr 16, 2014
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Thanks for the reply,

My Hard Drive is originally from an off the shelf system however my PC now is completely custom built (used the Hard Drive and OS). I will try and move everything apart from the OS onto a new partition and then copy that onto the SSD!

Also I have just found a way to make a Windows Installation disc using a program supplied by Microsoft. Could I just make this then install it to the SSD then Remove windows from my HDD? I have the product key still!

http://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-7/lost-windows-7-install-disc-create-a-new-one-from-scratch/

 
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bicycle_repair_man

bicycle_repair_man

Splendid
Jan 10, 2014
5,752
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28,960
If you've replaced the motherboard you may not even be able to activate Windows. Pre-built PCs will come with a copy of Windows that's tied to the motherboard. Whilst you can usually swap the motherboard and still activate Windows, this only works a certain amount of times. If you can't activate online you'll need to call Microsoft for an activation code, at which point, they may refuse to give you one.

You used to be able to download Windows installation images from Digital River, which is an official Microsoft partner site. You can then use an application like BurnAware Free to create a disc and go through the usual installation process. If you go down this route, you'll still have the potential activation problem above.

I'd first try the partition and clone process.
 
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Solution
ObL1t3r4t0r

ObL1t3r4t0r

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Apr 16, 2014
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I'll try the first solution to start and then if all else fails I'll try the second! I made my system about a year ago and have had no issues with Windows Activation at all, I typed in the code and it's validated and functioning fine (no warning messages or other issues) must have been lucky!

Thanks for all the help, really appreciate it!
 
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