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Windows 7: Migrate from HDD to SSD without losing programs

Tags:
  • Migrate
  • Windows 7
  • Storage
  • Hard Drives
  • Samsung SSD
Last response: in Storage
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September 13, 2014 10:08:09 AM

Goodmorning everyone,

before starting I'd like to point out that I'm not an expert in pc, just a spare-time-appasionate.

So, few weeks ago I upgraded my pc from a 1TB HDD to a 2TB HDD and managed to clone the first one into the second one, without losing any data or setting or anything.
Yesterday it was my birthday and my friends decided to gift me a 120 GB Samsung 840 EVO, but now I have a big problem.
I'd like to transfer only the OS (Windows 7 Home Premium) from my 2TB WD to the SSD, without having to install if from scratch, because that would mean that I'd have to re-install all (a lot actually) of my programs, and this is for me just a waste of time, and also all of my files would be lost if I do not make a backup (other waste of time).

So, can some of you help me solving this problem?
Thank you in advance and have a great day.

P.S. Sorry if my english is not so good but I'm italian.

More about : windows migrate hdd ssd losing programs

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a b $ Windows 7
a c 943 G Storage
September 13, 2014 10:16:44 AM

Althought the best option is a fresh install of windows, Paragon makes a paid for ($20) utility to do just what you want. Its called Migrate OS to SSD. Though it works well I always recommend doing a full backup before you proceed ... just in case.
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a c 633 $ Windows 7
a c 921 G Storage
September 13, 2014 10:25:02 AM

Whatever method you choose....backup, backup, backup.

OS and applications can ALWAYS be reconstituted. Vacation pics from the beach cannot.
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September 13, 2014 11:45:28 AM

popatim said:
Althought the best option is a fresh install of windows, Paragon makes a paid for ($20) utility to do just what you want. Its called Migrate OS to SSD. Though it works well I always recommend doing a full backup before you proceed ... just in case.


Thank you for your answer.
I tried using it but I don't know which folders I should select so they can be transferend to the SSD. "Windows" one only can be a good option? Or should I move some others too?
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a b $ Windows 7
a c 943 G Storage
September 14, 2014 7:04:50 AM

Uncheck video, music, pictures, program files, and program files (x86). You may want to uncheck the Users folder to but with 100gb of space I would transfer it.

After its all done and windows is working fine. I normally create c:\Program Files and C;\Program Files (x86) folders and then reinstall any applications that I want running from the SSD to one of those two.

Please keep in mind that during program installations you will have to manually tell them to install to the HDD; they will default to C:.
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September 14, 2014 12:26:30 PM

popatim said:
Uncheck video, music, pictures, program files, and program files (x86). You may want to uncheck the Users folder to but with 100gb of space I would transfer it.

After its all done and windows is working fine. I normally create c:\Program Files and C;\Program Files (x86) folders and then reinstall any applications that I want running from the SSD to one of those two.

Please keep in mind that during program installations you will have to manually tell them to install to the HDD; they will default to C:.


Thank you very much for your kind and quick answer!
Last thing: when you install programs on SSD while they are on the HDD, do you simply drag & drop the folders of the programs or do you install them from scratch?
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a c 633 $ Windows 7
a c 921 G Storage
September 14, 2014 12:30:58 PM

RiccardoMontagnin said:
popatim said:
Uncheck video, music, pictures, program files, and program files (x86). You may want to uncheck the Users folder to but with 100gb of space I would transfer it.

After its all done and windows is working fine. I normally create c:\Program Files and C;\Program Files (x86) folders and then reinstall any applications that I want running from the SSD to one of those two.

Please keep in mind that during program installations you will have to manually tell them to install to the HDD; they will default to C:.


Thank you very much for your kind and quick answer!
Last thing: when you install programs on SSD while they are on the HDD, do you simply drag & drop the folders of the programs or do you install them from scratch?


Install from scratch, selecting which drive and/or folder you want them to go to.
Generally, I create a top level folder over on the HDD. Call it 'MyProgs'. Use that as the top level install location.
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September 14, 2014 12:52:33 PM

USAFRet said:
RiccardoMontagnin said:
popatim said:
Uncheck video, music, pictures, program files, and program files (x86). You may want to uncheck the Users folder to but with 100gb of space I would transfer it.

After its all done and windows is working fine. I normally create c:\Program Files and C;\Program Files (x86) folders and then reinstall any applications that I want running from the SSD to one of those two.

Please keep in mind that during program installations you will have to manually tell them to install to the HDD; they will default to C:.


Thank you very much for your kind and quick answer!
Last thing: when you install programs on SSD while they are on the HDD, do you simply drag & drop the folders of the programs or do you install them from scratch?


Install from scratch, selecting which drive and/or folder you want them to go to.
Generally, I create a top level folder over on the HDD. Call it 'MyProgs'. Use that as the top level install location.


What about if I have (e.g) iTunes on my HDD and I want to transfer it on my SSD (which will only have the "Windows" folder I copied on it before) without losing all my library? Can i drag and drop, or should I install it from scratch on the SSD, transfer the library file from HDD to SSD and then remove it from the HDD?
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a c 633 $ Windows 7
a c 921 G Storage
September 14, 2014 1:01:33 PM

RiccardoMontagnin said:


What about if I have (e.g) iTunes on my HDD and I want to transfer it on my SSD (which will only have the "Windows" folder I copied on it before) without losing all my library? Can i drag and drop, or should I install it from scratch on the SSD, transfer the library file from HDD to SSD and then remove it from the HDD?


The iTunes client, and where the files live, are two whole different things. You can point the client to wherever the files live.
You can probably also save the actual 'library' information. I don't mess with or like iTunes, but I'd be surprised if that was not the case.

For instance, I use Songbird. All music lives on a whole other PC.
Build a new PC, install the client, tell it where to find the music...done.
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September 15, 2014 10:05:22 AM

popatim said:
Uncheck video, music, pictures, program files, and program files (x86). You may want to uncheck the Users folder to but with 100gb of space I would transfer it.

After its all done and windows is working fine. I normally create c:\Program Files and C;\Program Files (x86) folders and then reinstall any applications that I want running from the SSD to one of those two.

Please keep in mind that during program installations you will have to manually tell them to install to the HDD; they will default to C:.


Here I am once again.

I tried what you said, and I only transfered the "Windows" folder from the HDD to se SSD (as the entire "Users" folder can't fit too), but when I started up Windows the desktop was completley blank, without any of the files that were there, nor the link to the programs or even the wallpaper.
So, I tried re-doing everything and coping only a part of the "Users" folder along with the entire "Windows" folder, but the desktop was still blank with only the link that I copied. The links didn't work and also I got an "explorer.exe" problem.

Can someone tell me (better with a numbered list) what exactly should I do please?
I'd like to have:
- The OS in the SSD (now it's on the HDD)
- The programs in the HDD (now they already are on the HDD)
- The Desktop and everything else like it is right now
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