Moving OS from internal HDD to new internal SDD with only 1 socket (so I can only plug 1 at a time)

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thisusernameisnotavailaLOL

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Basically, I want to upgrade my computer changing my old and slow HDD for a new SSD, but I anticipate a BIG PROBLEM. My computer runs Original Win7 from an OEM (Dell). Microsoft will not provide me an ISO file of Win7 OS because OEM should (when I enter the Product Key before the download, it tells me that Dell should provide me with the ISO). Dell will not provide me an ISO file or a bootable USB because they are assholes (well, I guess). The problem is I have no idea how to transfer the Win7OS from the old HDD to the new SSD.

I considered cloning my old internal HDD to my new internal SSD, but since only one of them can be pluged at the same time (only 1 socket in the motherboard). I don't see how I could do that. I'm not an expert in cloning hard drives, so you could know something I'm missing. IF YOU DO, PLEASE DO TELL ME.

Please, consider that I also own an external HDD that I could use, if needed, to transfer the OS (example: 1.Clone the OS from the internal HDD to the external HDD. 2. Then Replace the internal HDD with the new internal SSD and 3. Clone the OS from the external HDD to the interna SSD. I have no idea if this is possible or how to do STEP 3 of this example.I don't even know if the clone external HDD can work as a bootable drive).

I would really appreciate your opinions, experience and solutions for this problem,

Thank you very much!!
 
Solution
kanewolf
#1 -- I have only ever used Acronis (which is purchased software, but worth it IMO) to do this. You can create a bootable CD/DVD to restore a disk image.

#2 -- You would take the SSD out of the case and connect it via an external USB adapter like this one -- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0VN-0003-000H5

I would start by checking youtube for disk cloning tutorials....

You might be able to make the USB external drive bootable, but I wouldn't. Use it as a storage repository for the disk image created by the cloning software OR don't make it part of this process.
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kanewolf

kanewolf

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You would use a USB adapter to connect the SSD while cloning. The external HD could be used to hold the disk image created by cloning. You would then remove the internal drive, boot off the cloning software recovery media (CD/DVD) and use the image saved on the external HD to restore to the SSD.
 
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thisusernameisnotavailaLOL

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Hello kanewolf,

First of all, thanks for your answer.

Please, forgive me. I haven't cloned before so I have some doubts regarding your solution:

1. The most important doubt: you said I should "boot off the cloning software recovery media (CD/DVD)", but we never mentioned a CD/DVD before. Dell didn't provide any CD/DVD and I'm not able to create one since this netbook does not have a DVD unit. I don't really know what you meant exactly wit "CD/DVD" and I would certainly need futher explanation (I'm a noob, I know).

2. You said I "would use a USB adapter to connect the SSD while cloning". The SSD is internal and doesn't have a USB adapter.

I've been thinking about a solution, but I have a question:
Can the external HDD where I cloned the internal HDD work as a bootable drive? If it did, I could just make the clone as I described, switch the internal HDD with the internal SSD and then boot from the external HDD. After that, clone the external HDD to the new internal SSD and my problem would be solved. I don't know if that's the same that you were just saying in your post but please, DO TELL ME IF YOU THINK THIS SOLUTION WOULD WORK.

Please, remember I have never done a process like this so I might not have understood your last post completely. I REALLY WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE!
 
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kanewolf

kanewolf

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#1 -- I have only ever used Acronis (which is purchased software, but worth it IMO) to do this. You can create a bootable CD/DVD to restore a disk image.

#2 -- You would take the SSD out of the case and connect it via an external USB adapter like this one -- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0VN-0003-000H5

I would start by checking youtube for disk cloning tutorials....

You might be able to make the USB external drive bootable, but I wouldn't. Use it as a storage repository for the disk image created by the cloning software OR don't make it part of this process.
 
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