ssd to ssd cloning without clean install... is it ok now

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nikoli707

nikoli707

Splendid
Jan 4, 2012
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is it ok to do an os migration nowadays? i know back in the days it wasn't recommended to do hdd to ssd clone for whatever reason, not sure why, something to do with not using ssd sectors efficiently i think. it was always recommended to do a clean install. i dont really want to do that lol.

my trusty old computer in the sig below. im thinking of changing out my aging 180gb intel 330 ssd for a crucial mx300 750gb if i can get my hands on one during the ebay sale in a few hours.... $99.99.

i will probably do a complete system overhaul for cannonlake and go nvme etc etc etc. but the 750gb mx300 would come in handy then as well.
 
Solution
USAFRet
SSD to SSD is perfectly fine.
A clean install is better, but the clone/migration thing usually works just fine.

This C drive (SSD) I'm using right now is a clone from the previous SSD which a clone from the previous SSD.
120GB Kingston -> 250GB 840 EVO -> 500GB 850 EVO.
Works just fine.

For a successful migration, do this:
-----------------------------
Verify the actual used space on the current drive is significantly below the size of the new SSD
Download and install Macrium Reflect (or Samsung Data Migration, if a Samsung SSD)
Power off
Disconnect ALL drives except the current C and the new SSD
Power up
Run the Macrium Reflect (or Samsung Data Migration)
Select ALL the partitions on the existing C drive
Click the 'Clone'...
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USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,474
17,927
184,590
SSD to SSD is perfectly fine.
A clean install is better, but the clone/migration thing usually works just fine.

This C drive (SSD) I'm using right now is a clone from the previous SSD which a clone from the previous SSD.
120GB Kingston -> 250GB 840 EVO -> 500GB 850 EVO.
Works just fine.

For a successful migration, do this:
-----------------------------
Verify the actual used space on the current drive is significantly below the size of the new SSD
Download and install Macrium Reflect (or Samsung Data Migration, if a Samsung SSD)
Power off
Disconnect ALL drives except the current C and the new SSD
Power up
Run the Macrium Reflect (or Samsung Data Migration)
Select ALL the partitions on the existing C drive
Click the 'Clone' button
Wait until it is done
When it finishes, power off
Disconnect ALL drives except for the new SSD
Swap the SATA cables around so that the new drive is connected to the same SATA port as the old drive
Power up, and verify the BIOS boot order
If good, continue the power up

It should boot from the new drive, just like the old drive.
Maybe reboot a time or two, just to make sure.

If it works, and it should, all is good.

Later, reconnect the old drive and wipe as necessary.
Delete the original boot partitions, here:
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/4f1b84ac-b193-40e3-943a-f45d52e23685/cant-delete-extra-healthy-recovery-partitions-and-healthy-efi-system-partition?forum=w8itproinstall
-----------------------------
 
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Solution
nikoli707

nikoli707

Splendid
Jan 4, 2012
6,008
5
29,965
thanks usaf. i was probably going to use easeus cloning software since a quick google found many people using it.

also thanks for the instructions.... although i already understand the process and somewhat how to repair the mbr if things get fishy. but those may come in handy and should i brain fart or just want reassurance.

i did end up getting the crucial mx300 750gb for $99 shipped on the ebay midnight sale... supposedly they had like 3 or 4 thousand of them and they sold out in less than 5 minutes.
 
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