Need to transfer the operating system to an SSD and all my files onto a new HDD.

liam.nick48 · Sep 26, 2018

I'm in a tricky situation and trying to upgrade my PC. I have a Toshiba DT01ACA050 ATA hard drive, without an SSD. I'm thinking of buying a new hard drive, AND an SSD for my new upgraded PC. I would like to transfer the 300GB of files onto the new hard drive, but have the operating system on the new SSD. I'm confused as to how I should begin, and if someone could help me out I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

jay32267 · Sep 26, 2018

First I would connect up the new HDD and transfer all your "data" files over to the HDD.

Then I would delete the data files off the old HDD (or just cut and paste to the new HDD).

Then I would disconnect the new HDD and connect the new SSD and initialize, partition and format it all while keeping the old HDD connected because you need the OS on the old HDD to do this.

Then I would clone the old HDD to the new SSD.

Then I would remove the old HDD and set it to boot to the new SSD.

Then I would make sure it booted to the SSD.

Then I would add the new HDD with the data files on it that you took off the old HDD.

USAFRet · Sep 29, 2018

MERGED QUESTION
Question from liam.nick48 : "Want to transfer the OS onto an SSD while keeping all games on HDD."

liam.nick48 :

USAFRet :

liam.nick48 :

With Steam games...easy

Steam games location
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder

To move an already installed game
Games library
Right click the game
Properties
Local Files
Move Install Folder
---------------------------------

After that, if you have the relevant space...then you can clone the OS to a different drive.

Specific steps for a successful clone operation:
-----------------------------
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
This is to allow the system to try to boot from ONLY the 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 450MB Recovery Partition, 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
-----------------------------

What size is this new SSD?

liam.nick48 · Sep 29, 2018

Thank you very much for this answer. I planned on transferring all games from my current HDD to a new one, and the operating system onto the SSD, which I know understand how to do. The only problem I have is with the rest of my files. I want to transfer all documents, photos, videos and everything except for Program Files and the OS onto the new hard drive. My question is, when I open C:, which folders contain the operating system? I want the old hard drive to have ONLY the operating system and the Program Files folder so I can clone that onto the SSD.

I apologize if this paragraph seems a bit confusing, I'm not an expert at this and it all seems quite tricky

USAFRet · Sep 29, 2018

For a clone operation to the new drive, anything you DO NOT WANT needs to be off on some other physical drive or partition.

You can't select "only Windows".
Instead, you move everything "Not Windows" to a different drive or partition.
Basically, just your personal files. Doc/Music/Video...

This is how to redirect those file types to be elsewhere, but I don't recommend doing this in conjunction with a migration operation.
Do this after...
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

liam.nick48 · Sep 29, 2018

Alright, I think I get what I have to do now. Thank you very much for your help!

Search

Need to transfer the operating system to an SSD and all my files onto a new HDD.

liam.nick48

Prominent

USAFRet

jay32267

Champion

USAFRet

Titan

liam.nick48

Prominent

USAFRet

Titan

liam.nick48

Prominent

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page