How to create a full backup of your existing windows 7 pro x64 partition and programs into an Bootable image?

Ragahv

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Dec 30, 2012
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Hello i have 1 windows 7 pro x64 partition on my Western Digital - 10EZEX hard drive (3.5").

Im using the whole disk as my OS store and programs store within the OS.

Now the question is, if i wish to move all my programs and settings from one hard drive to an faster internal SSD, then how do i do it?
I cannot use the windows backup option as i cant work a way around this message:

The system image is not compatable with your windows installation. - With that error message i have tried everything like disable the BIOS boot options for every disk except the dvd drive in which the boot disc is.

So i dont like the windows backup and restore option. I'd prefer something like norton ghost but something with easy interface and something that is capable of not only backing up the OS but also the programs like games-battlefield 4 and its updates into an external usb hard drive.

I wish the program saves it as an ISO file and turns it into a bootable image file with all my settings and programs and updates and ofcourse the OS with a create boot disc option. I need something like acronis but acronis has its own file format NOT an iso file. I mean an iso is not created when windows is backed up and all its software created as backup is not saved as a bootable disc image. Thats why i prefer a app with boot disc (its own bootdisc rather than the stupid windows one)
 
For a free bootable cloning option, Clonezilla works really well. Slap it on a flash drive and clone the HDD to the SDD. Also depending on which SSD you go with, it may have migration software. Samsungs EVO (and I think Pro) line of SSDs come with migration software that works like a charm. This all of course assumes you're trying to go to an equal or larger sized drive.