Can I move my OS from my HDD to my SSD?

[Helldog26]

I am building a new rig and want to copy my current Windows 7 from my current HDD to my new SSD for the new computer. Is this possible? If so how do I do it?

 

[JobCreator]

Acronis True Image Home will "clone" a disk for you.

 

[lantrich]

All you have to do is plug the ssd into your computer and use software like Ease US to clone the hard drive. It will make an exact copy. When completed remove the hard drive and start up the computer. Ease US will let you clone an larger drive to a small ssd.

 

[USAFRet]

Can you? Yes, maybe. There are several cloning/migration applications that will do it.
This also depends on drive size (old and new), how much space is currently used, how old is the install, etc.

Should you? Maybe not. I always recommend a clean install on a new SSD. Why carry all the old crap onto a brand new SSD?

 

[Helldog26]

OK thanks guys I will try it and if I cant get it to work ill just wipe it and do a clean install. When it clones though do I have to have the product key? The current Windows on my PC was already installed on it and I dont have the key.

 

[Optimus_Toaster]

I agree with doing a fresh install. That was you know that when the OS installs itself, that it will be choosing all the settings appropriate for that drive. And you'll also get the speed boost from a fresh OS on top of the speed of the new drive.

 

[lantrich]

Down Belarc Advisor. It is free and will tell you what your Windows key is.

 

[Helldog26]

OK great! Thanks for your help guys