Trouble cloning HDD to SSD

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
A

Arthur Rahman

Reputable
Aug 6, 2014
4
0
4,510
I followed these instructions: http://lifehacker.com/5837543/how-to-migrate-to-a-solid-state-drive-without-reinstalling-windows

Everything worked fine, and all the files were cloned, until I got into the SSD and noticed that I couldn't format the HDD because it contained "a version of windows I was using". I tried disconnecting the HDD and booting to the SSD. An error appeared before getting into the OS saying it cannot find Winload.exe. I tried using the windows repair disc to fix my problem but it did nothing, and said it cannot resolve the issue. Odd. I even looked for winload.exe in my SSD and found it. Did I do anything wrong in the process? Should I try a different a cloning software? I used EaseUS TODO Backup Free.
 
Solution
Curiousaboutpc
The best way to move an existing Windows installation, along with all of the installed programs, is to clone the drive. But cloning normally copies everything on one drive to the other. That doesn't work if you have 800GB of files and only 120GB of new storage.

What you need is cloning software smart enough to let you pick what files and folders you don't want on the new drive.

Such software might come with your SSD. But in my experience, bundled SSD cloning software leaves a lot to be desired. I haven't tried every such program by a long shot, so if your new SSD comes with cloning software, give it a try.

Of course, you'll have to connect the SSD to your PC. See How to upgrade to a larger hard drive for instructions on that part of...
Sort by date Sort by votes
Curiousaboutpc

Curiousaboutpc

Honorable
Dec 21, 2013
151
1
10,760
The best way to move an existing Windows installation, along with all of the installed programs, is to clone the drive. But cloning normally copies everything on one drive to the other. That doesn't work if you have 800GB of files and only 120GB of new storage.

What you need is cloning software smart enough to let you pick what files and folders you don't want on the new drive.

Such software might come with your SSD. But in my experience, bundled SSD cloning software leaves a lot to be desired. I haven't tried every such program by a long shot, so if your new SSD comes with cloning software, give it a try.

Of course, you'll have to connect the SSD to your PC. See How to upgrade to a larger hard drive for instructions on that part of the job.

If the SSD didn't come with bundled software, or if it wasn't any good, I suggest you shell out an extra $20 for Paragon Migrate OS to SSD. Yes, that's a lot of money for a program you'll only use once, but it's worth it. Migrate allows you to select which files and folders will and will not be copied to the new drive.
0303-paragon-100246341-large.jpg

When the cloning is done, set your PC to boot from the SSD. Keep the old hard drive around, either in the PC or externally in a SATA-USB enclosure, for storing the files you exempted from the cloning and others that won't fit on the SSD.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
P

PJF87

Reputable
Aug 13, 2014
3
0
4,510
Hi there. I'm in the process of attempting to clone my old HDD to a new SSD using Paragon Migrate OS to SSD.. Just wondering, before I go fully ahead with it.. When should you or should you not check the box for "create new EFI boot entry for destination drive???
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom