Cannot boot off cloned SSD

[Sauceb055]

I received a 60gb Corsair SSD for Christmas and wanted to add it to my existing build for booting windows 7 and running frequent applications. I'm following this (http://www.lifehacker.co.uk/2014/06/02/migrate-solid-state-drive-without-reinstalling-windows) guide and I've hit a hitch. The drive cloned fine with EaseUs but whenever I unplug the hard drive to boot off the ssd it says there is no bootable device. I've made sure it's selected in boot manager and it's the primary boot device, tried IDE and AHCI and nothing has worked. Does anyone have any idea where I can go from here? And also, is this guide worth following or should I use another? I chose this because I don't have a full windows disk as the original build was bought from PCSpecialist.

 

[Darkbreeze]

You failed to copy the boot partition along with the OS partition. The boot partition is likely still on the HDD which is why it will boot if it's connected, but not when you disconnect it. The MBR or GPT boot partition is necessary for any drive to be bootable. You will probably need to redo the clone process making sure to include the boot partition which may be asked about during the clone process or you may have to unhide and include manually. I personally don't like the Easeus method, preferring instead to use Acronis True Image. Never had an issue with a disk image or clone operation using it.

 

[geofelt]

First, try plugging your newly cloned ssd into the sata port where the original hard drive was connected.
Disconnect the hard drive and see if you can boot.

You can do a clean install if you can download a windows install dvd from the internet.
It is your activation code that is necessary for activation.
That code should have been supplied on a sticker on your pc somewhere.
If you can't find it, run a free app called magical jellybean keyfinder.

 

[sizzling]

First, try plugging your newly cloned ssd into the sata port where the original hard drive was connected.
Disconnect the hard drive and see if you can boot.

You can do a clean install if you can download a windows install dvd from the internet.
It is your activation code that is necessary for activation.
That code should have been supplied on a sticker on your pc somewhere.
If you can't find it, run a free app called magical jellybean keyfinder.

From his description he is not getting past the bios so I would say darkbreeze's solution is the most likely

 

[Darkbreeze]

Alternatively, you can do a clean install by creating your own installation media. You'll need an ISO image and your current registration keys to do this.

Key finder: https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Create installation media: http://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-7/lost-windows-7-install-disc-create-a-new-one-from-scratch/

 

[Darkbreeze]

Geofelt may be right about the SATA header location. Try booting the drive with it connected to the header the HDD was attached to or go into the BIOS and set the new SSD as the primary boot device. If that fails to fix the issue, try one of these other options.