Trying To Transfer Windows from HDD to SSD

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aaronchristopher98

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Mar 3, 2014
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Hi. As you can see, I'm hoping to be able to transfer Windows 8, which is installed along with many files to my main hard drive, to an SSD so I can have boot speeds as fast as lightning.

Here's the kicker. I need to be able to move ONLY WINDOWS to the SSD, without having to backup my harddrives elsewhere. Granted, I do have 2 hard drives and I could just move all of my files to the second hard drive while I move windows to the SSD (if i knew how). But atm I'm trying to accomplish this without having to move all my files besides windows somewhere else. Is this possible, and or do you can someone tell me how to do it? Thanks!
 
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SuperSoph_WD

Hey there, aaronchristopher98!

As MeteorsRaining already mentioned a lot of SSDs come with cloning utilities, even some HDDs have those.
Personally I'd use Acronis True Image for this, because it gives you the option to select manually what gets cloned and what doesn't.
Here are a couple of links about: How to clone automatically and...
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MeteorsRaining

MeteorsRaining

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Jul 27, 2014
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Most new SSDs come with a cloning utility, with which you can just clone the whole Drive. A good tutorial on how to go about it:
http://www.maximumpc.com/how_clone_hard_drive_or_ssd_2014

But, it'll clone the whole drive, you can however create a partition on old HDD and shift all other files there to avoid them being cloned on to SSD. Also, backing up is highly recommended, though its your ultimate decision.
 
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aaronchristopher98

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This sounds like the best way to go. So just to elaborate, I have 2 1TB hard drives. My primary contains Windows and all of my downloads, games, programs, etc. So There's no way that stuff is going to fit on my SSD.

If I want to clone my Primary with windows to my SSD, should I move everything but Windows to my second hard drive
and then clone my primary to my SSD containing only windows?
 
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

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Jul 30, 2014
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Hey there, aaronchristopher98!

As MeteorsRaining already mentioned a lot of SSDs come with cloning utilities, even some HDDs have those.
Personally I'd use Acronis True Image for this, because it gives you the option to select manually what gets cloned and what doesn't.
Here are a couple of links about: How to clone automatically and manually using the Acronis True Image software:
http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3682
http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3680

First, I'd suggest to back up your data somewhere else, before doing anything.
Afterwards you have a couple of options:
1. You can clone/migrate your games and programs on the HDD, you will be using for those and then clone the OS to the SSD.
2. Or what most of the users recommend is a fresh install of Windows on the SSD and then transfer the data from your old HDD to the new one.

A clean install would be the best way to go if you already have the means to do that, as it will ensure that there is no junk or redundant files written to drive as there would be if you clone. (recommended)
Cloning is the best option for those who have no factory recovery or Windows discs, or just don't want to go through the hassle of re-installing. [SOURCE:] http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/63597-63-cloning-clean-install

Hope this helped. :)
SuperSoph_WD
 
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MeteorsRaining

MeteorsRaining

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Well SuperSoph_WD has elaborated it pretty clearly how you can go about it. The options have been suggested, that is, you can either do a complete re install of Windows (which you can do even w/o a CD, using ISO) or migrate the excess games and apps to other HDD or create partition (a bit complex but still works) on the same HDD, so the 2nd one will remain untouched.

Either will do the task, the first one however will make the OS brand new, w/o the junk files. Its upto you. I'd just migrate the apps and games to 2nd HDD and then clone the HDD containing windows to SSD, I'm lazy I know.
 
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popatim

popatim

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Just to add another option: Paragons Migrate OS to SSD. Its not free, I believe its $20 but it will migrate only your OS off the HDD and put it on the SSD while leaving everything behind in a state that will run without needing to be reinstalled. I've never used it on a system with 2 drives in it already so I'm not sure what it will do to the HDD's regarding the drive letter assignments.
 
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