Windows won't boot after cloning from HDD to SSD

Linkrocks250

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Nov 13, 2016
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I just cloned my boot drive to a PNY SSD using Acronis. Now, it says "Windows failed to start, a recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix the problem:

1. Insert your windows installation disc and restart your computer.
2. Choose your language settings, and then click "next".
3. Click "Repair Your Computer".

If you do not have the disc, contact your system administrator or computer manufacturer for assistance.


Status: 0xc000000e

Info: A registered device isn't connected or can't be accessed."

The problem is I don't have a disc, and have no way of obtaining one. It still boots with the HDD, and the files on both of them appear to be the exact same, but for some reason the SSD won't work. How can I fix this without a disc?
 
Solution
I've used Acronis for many years and have had little if any issue when recovering an image, either from a corrupt C drive, or when upgrading the C drive itself (simply clone onto the new drive).
"Errors like this are very common"?? absolutely incorrect!!
Back up software, including imaging software such as Acronis, is an essential tool for disaster recovery! never be dissuaded from using it! Of course, if you are not malware-proactive when using your PC then you increase the risk of additionally cloning/backing-up such issues also.

I'm assuming you have disconnected your old C drive when trying to boot into the new drive, if not, you'd be advised to do this. When the new drive checks out you can format your old drive.
Try the...

Quarkzquarkz

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Sep 18, 2013
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Ugh, I always discourage cloning especially from HDD to SSD because yes you're copying a ton of program and files you need but god knows what else you're bringing over to the fresh and clean SSD. Errors like this are very common and if you don't have a disc you're in deep trouble. You just might end up reformatting the whole SSD and cleaning that up and starting over again.

Or just spend some time on a weekend and go through your old HDD and copy over the required and necessary files. Then install a fresh OS on your SSD and bring over the rest. Good luck!
 

Linkrocks250

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Nov 13, 2016
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Linkrocks250

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Nov 13, 2016
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Would it work if I copied all the program files and then installed a new OS? I don't want to lose all my files and games since I had to completely start over last time I changed an OS
 

Jim90

Distinguished
I've used Acronis for many years and have had little if any issue when recovering an image, either from a corrupt C drive, or when upgrading the C drive itself (simply clone onto the new drive).
"Errors like this are very common"?? absolutely incorrect!!
Back up software, including imaging software such as Acronis, is an essential tool for disaster recovery! never be dissuaded from using it! Of course, if you are not malware-proactive when using your PC then you increase the risk of additionally cloning/backing-up such issues also.

I'm assuming you have disconnected your old C drive when trying to boot into the new drive, if not, you'd be advised to do this. When the new drive checks out you can format your old drive.
Try the following out: boot into your new drive either via the F12 key during boot or by going into the BIOS and booting into the new drive (via the boot menu). If you can boot into windows, let the process complete and reboot. Providing no other disk with an OS is present all should be aok. If you can not boot into windows doing this then it's likely that the Acronis cloning stage wasn't followed correctly and you'd need to redo this.
Additionally, when recovering the clone (Acronis recovery disk) to your new drive, disconnect all other drives - just to make absolutely certain that the the image recovery process and the 1st boot of the recovered image only sees one drive.
 
Solution
i've cloned from hdd to ssd as well - i use both macrium reflect and easeus todo back - both have free versions to try

one mistake not to make - if you clone it again, first wipe the target ssd 3X (easeus has a partition manager utility that does a good job). Reason, when cloning, a lot of cloning software, when cloning, if it sees the same file already on the target ssd with the same name and same date, will skip over that file

i'd recommend easeus todo backup for this as you can select "optimize for ssd" and "sector by sector" - you'll get a more accurate clone with that 2nd option. And create the recovery disk in "tools", then use that to boot into - it will boot in linux (think a water down windows) and execute the clone without the operating system (windows) being open

hope that helps