Upgrading SSD and cloning

xUntamedInferno · Jan 22, 2017

I am thinking about upgrading my SSD that contains all of my major programs as well as my operating system. I would really like to clone my current SSD to the new one that will be larger in capacity, but I am worried that I might run into some issues. I currently have a 250gb SSD and would like to upgrade to a 500gb SSD. I am wondering if I will have an issue with the partition size if I clone my current 250gb SSD to a new 500gb SSD. I have heard that if you clone a smaller size drive to a bigger one that you will only receive the same size partition as on the original one. Is this true? If you have any advice it would be greatly appreciated!

corroded · Jan 22, 2017

Going larger is easier... The cloning software will try to scale what you've. Make sure to look at the lAYOUT OF THE NEW DRIVE AND ADJUST AS NEEDED BEFORE RUNNING IT.

USAFRet · Jan 22, 2017

xUntamedInferno :

The only issue might be that it only create a 250GB partition on the new drive. Leaving the other 250GB unallocated.
You can merge them.

To clone from old to new, like 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
-----------------------------

photonboy · Jan 22, 2017

Hey,
I've had NO ISSUES with the cloning software I've used in the past.

When setting up the CLONE most programs show you the result of the SSD with USED and FREE space, but sure you can use DISK MANAGEMENT if that didn't work to merge.

In the past I've used:
a) Acronis True Image (paid)
b) Machrium Reflect Free (linked above)

If Machrium Reflect Free is still similar there should be a VERIFY option. Make sure to check that so it rechecks that the clone worked by comparing the data.

*I see it's pretty detailed in the answer above, so I may or may not repeat but this is my preferred method:

1) CLONE
2) Shut down
3) UNHOOK the old SSD cables (you could leave it installed, but I prefer to physically remove it while testing the new SSD)
4) START (if you have OTHER drives it may try to boot one... if boot fails, go into the BIOS and check the BOOT ORDER)
5) TEST (and verify free space makes sense)

later...
6) create an Image (I prefer Acronis True Image which isn't free, and I do an Incremental, weekly backup with auto deletion of old backups.. sort of confusing at first)
7) FORMAT the older SSD to use it for the same system or other PC

OTHER:
Note that you can MOVE games between Steam folders. If you want to use that 256GB SSD for games, then go into Steam and create a new folder on that drive (after formatted NTFS).

Pick games that benefit the most. SKYRIM is one of the best examples as there are many load points that can be sped up (buildings, dungeons, new map point). *MODS can be messed up with moving modded games. You can do it, but you need to plan it out.

Conversely, many games load the main game but you may play for an hour or more without ever requiring a load point.

xUntamedInferno · Jan 22, 2017

USAFRet :

xUntamedInferno :

The only issue might be that it only create a 250GB partition on the new drive. Leaving the other 250GB unallocated.
You can merge them.

To clone from old to new, like 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
-----------------------------

Thank you for the info! What if I am planning to use a cloning tool like this one? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LSU4SHW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Will it still work the same way?

USAFRet · Jan 23, 2017

xUntamedInferno :

Probably. But for a desktop, there is no reason to use that.
But if you already have it, it should work.

xUntamedInferno · Jan 23, 2017

USAFRet :

Perfect! Thank you for the help!

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