Clone HDD to SSD partitions query

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PAULO40

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Hi All

I'm going to purchase a SSD for my laptop, and obviously want to clone the contents of my HDD to it. I feel confident in performing the cloning itself using a USB to Sata adapter cable, and one of the cloning programs already mentioned on this site, but I have a simple query regarding the contents of the HDD itself that I need some advice on.

My HDD has 3 partitions to it, Local Disk C, Recovery D and HP_TOOLS E. My query is when I clone my HDD will these partitions be cloned as well? I'm presuming that when you clone a HDD, the entire contents are copied, therefore the partitions will be cloned.

I'd be very grateful if someone could answer my query and verify my presumptions before I go about buying a SSD.

Thanks in advance.
 
Solution
Boogieman_WD
Hey there, Paulo40.

Assuming the HDD's data is not larger than the SSD's capacity the cloning process should go without an issue. That includes your question as well. You are quite right. When you clone the whole drive, you basically get the exact same copy of that said drive, including partitions, formatting, data, etc.

Here's a migration tutorial, which might come in handy: http://lifehacker.com/5837543/how-to-migrate-to-a-solid-state-drive-without-reinstalling-windows

Hope that helps. Please let me know if anything else comes up. :)
Boogieman_WD
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Boogieman_WD

Boogieman_WD

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Hey there, Paulo40.

Assuming the HDD's data is not larger than the SSD's capacity the cloning process should go without an issue. That includes your question as well. You are quite right. When you clone the whole drive, you basically get the exact same copy of that said drive, including partitions, formatting, data, etc.

Here's a migration tutorial, which might come in handy: http://lifehacker.com/5837543/how-to-migrate-to-a-solid-state-drive-without-reinstalling-windows

Hope that helps. Please let me know if anything else comes up. :)
Boogieman_WD
 
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PAULO40

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Wow, another speedy response from this site. Thanks for answering my question Boogieman, I really appreciate you confirming that info for me.
 
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PAULO40

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Hi Boogieman

Just wondering if you could help me regarding formatting a SSD.

I've got a new laptop on the way and I want to put my SSD in it, with the data from the new laptops HDD cloned onto the SSD. I'm going to need to format my SSD, however it has 3 partitions on it. Can you tell me what the best method is for formatting the SSD so that absolutely everything is removed and left in a factory default settings state? I was thinking of cleaning it using 'disk part' in command prompt, would this be sufficient?

I'd be grateful for some advice / help on this.
 
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Boogieman_WD

Boogieman_WD

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Well, using the "clean" command (please make sure that you don't type "clean all" by mistake) should be sufficient. Also, most SSD manufacturers offer software for their drives which has basic functions, such as: health monitoring, firmware update, secure erase, etc. So you could use secure erase as well.
If you're going to make a fresh Windows installation on that SSD while connected to your new laptop, you could simply use the Windows installation media as well, in order to format the SSD. Here's how to make a fresh install of Win 10 (I don't know your Windows version but the process is pretty similar, including the partition management of the drive you're using for the Windows installation): http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1950-windows-10-clean-install.html.

Please let me know if this helps.
 
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PAULO40

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Thanks for all the help Boogieman, I appreciate it. Got my new laptop set up with my SSD now, working a treat!:wahoo:
 
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