Best method of storing OS on SSD?

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Thecoolman5

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Jun 10, 2013
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Hello. So I am new to the whole SSD trend. I can only afford a very small SSD; one that will fit my OS and programs but not my Users folder. I know that I can migrate the Users folder to a different drive or partition but is that a good idea? What is the most common method of doing things? If I do choose to migrate the Users folder to a separate drive, what will happen when that drive dies? Will windows need to be completely reinstalled? If I am backing up the entire Users folder on a regular basis, can I just get a new drive and restore the backups? Will Windows recognize the new drive? Thanks!
 
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USAFRet


A 250GB drive is fine. Absolutely no need to consider moving the /Users/ folder to elsewhere.

This was written just for you:
Win 7 & 8: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1834397/ssd-redirecting-static-files.html
Win 8.1 & 10: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2024314/windows-redirecting-folders-drives.html

For Steam games, this:
Steam games location
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder
5RXQa0Y.jpg


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USAFRet

USAFRet

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No, moving the /Users/ folder to a different drive is NOT a good idea.
Read here: http://www.zdnet.com/article/dont-move-your-windows-user-profiles-folder-to-another-drive/

What size is this SSD?
 
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Thecoolman5

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I am not sure yet. But it will be small. The absolute maximum size will be 250 gigs. So do I just need to remember to keep pictures and music and documents on the other drive rather than my users folder? Seems a bit scary.
 
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photonboy

photonboy

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Jun 20, 2006
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My dad gets by with a 60GB SSD, but I recommend 120GB.

They are pretty cheap, you may even find used and 60GB vs 120GB isn't much different in price.

As said above, don't try splitting the user file.

*The ONLY thing to consider putting on the other drive is full program installations (like a "GAMES" or "STEAM" folder and custom install to that) or media files or other files.

THIS 120GB SSD is about $50USD
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/rtzv6h/kingston-internal-hard-drive-sv300s37a120g
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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A 250GB drive is fine. Absolutely no need to consider moving the /Users/ folder to elsewhere.

This was written just for you:
Win 7 & 8: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1834397/ssd-redirecting-static-files.html
Win 8.1 & 10: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2024314/windows-redirecting-folders-drives.html

For Steam games, this:
Steam games location
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder
5RXQa0Y.jpg


 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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No, I'm telling you to tell the OS to do it.
As per the links and tutorials above.
 
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photonboy

photonboy

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If you aren't reinstalling, you can simply CLONE your existing drive over provided it's about 200GB or less used space (for 250GB SSD).

A few options exist, such as Machrium Reflect Free which has an auto-verify option (use it) to confirm the clone was written properly.

Basically:

1. Hookup SSD (if laptop, may need USB enclosure or USB->SATA cable)
2. install the above software
3. CLONE (I forget if you are required to create a BOOT DVD or USB stick to do this)
- if so, you may need to change the BIOS boot order so you can boot to the DVD/USB stick and start the clone

4. change the BIOS boot order so the SSD is first (or 2nd if DVD or USB is set first)
- or if laptop and only one slot just remove the drive (can add to enclosure and use as USB device)
5. VERIFY it works for a week or so
6. then FORMAT the hard drive (I'd do full NTFS format. ask if not sure)

7. *I recommend you buy Acronis True Image to setup an automated backup of SSD to HDD, or at the very least find a FREE utility (Acronis True Image free for WD drives, Seagate Disk Wizard for Seagate drives...) and manually make a backup.

Keep the backup in case of drive failure, or virus infection etc. (make a new backup periodically if using manual software)
 
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AuraMaster

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Jan 8, 2017
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Would you recommend Easeus Todo or Machrium Reflect to clone the OS over to the new SSD? Are there pro/cons to each? Or just the same thing, separate programs?
 
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Thecoolman5

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Okay guys, hold on. I was speaking with a relative who is quite knowledgeable in such a field and he says that having the entire users folder be moved to a different drive isn't so bad. If the most popular way to go is to have each individual folder point to the different drive, why not do the entire folder? If the drive fails, I don't even know what would Windows would do to show the desktop and stuff but what difference would it make?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Did you read my article above?
You can if you want to. I wouldn't.

And with a 250GB drive, there is zero need to.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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For cloning over to the new drive, 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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Thecoolman5

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Yes I read that article. But considering that I am running Windows 10 (which Microsoft has specified will be their last release of Windows), there is nothing bad that can happen. Yes Microsoft says not to move that folder but no one here has told of any experience anyone has had where doing so rendered their computer dead. I just can't see anything bad happening. The article says that if you do change the location of the Users folder, upgrades will fail to install. Well, the anniversary update installed on my computer just fine. Windows 10 is not mentioned in that article anywhere so I think it is safe to say we have a comfortable exception.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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OK. Up to you.
Please report back if you run into any issues in the future.

Personally, I wouldn't. And don't really see the benefit.
 
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AuraMaster

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It's ok to delete the EFI and recovery partitions once i have booted to my os on the ssd and formatted the old drive? Isnt the efi partition necessary to boot?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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If the system boots from the SSD and only the SSD, whatever lives on the old HDD is of no consequence.
Obviously, don't delete those that live on the SSD.
 
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