Can't boot OS from SSD after a clone.

[Zincca]

Greetings! As the title suggests, I am having problems after a cloning.

Currently, my Windows 8 is installed on a 120 gb SSD. The new one that I'm trying to clone the Windows into and boot from it is ADATA 480 gb SSD.

The following was my plan: Clone the drive entirely into a new SSD, and load Windows from it. Format the old and use it to store other stuff.

I used EaseUS Todo Backup Free 9.0 to make a clone, and I successfully did it. All the files are now copied into the new SSD. However, after I reboot my PC, I can't boot the OS from the new SSD.

I tried changing the boot order in BIOS.

I tried disconnecting the SSD that the original OS is currently installed on, so it would only have the option to boot form the SSD that data were cloned into. It gives me the bluescreen recovery; The application or OS couldn't be loaded because \Windows\system32\winload.exe is missing.

Sooo what can I do to make the new SSD boot? I know the best option is to make a fresh install, but I don't have my Windows 8 DvD anymore and I can't download it.

Thank you!

 

[Ubrales]

You did the right things. Do you have a backup? Maybe the Adata SSD is defective or has a corrupt Win 10 file.

 

[Zincca]

You did the right things. Do you have a backup? Maybe the Adata SSD is defective or has a corrupt Win 10 file.

Yes I do have a backup. In fact, I'm currently running the system on the 120 gb drive. I haven't formatted it yet. I can view the files on the new drive, add, remove with no problem. Just can't boot from the cloned drive.

 

[psoohoo]

Try a different cloning application.
Maybe Macrium Reflect Free

Did this machine come shipped with Windows 8, most OEMs will have the Product key embedded in the BIOS and you should be able to install a fresh copy of Windows 10 and activate it using that key.

 

[Ubrales]

You did the right things. Do you have a backup? Maybe the Adata SSD is defective or has a corrupt Win 10 file.

Yes I do have a backup. In fact, I'm currently running the system on the 120 gb drive. I haven't formatted it yet. I can view the files on the new drive, add, remove with no problem. Just can't boot from the cloned drive.

Clone again - make a backup.

 

[Zincca]

Try a different cloning application.
Maybe Macrium Reflect Free

Did this machine come shipped with Windows 8, most OEMs will have the Product key embedded in the BIOS and you should be able to install a fresh copy of Windows 10 and activate it using that key.

I assembled it like 2 years ago myself, and lost the DvD 😀
Not really a fan of Win 10 though...
But yeah, I'm gonna try that Marcrium thingy now and see if it works with that one.

 

[Ubrales]

Yes Macrium Reflect has good reviews. EaseUS is also good. Whatever you use, make backups to an external disk on a regular and frequent basis.

 

[Zincca]

I got this error while cloning:
"clone failed. write failed. 22 invalid argument"
I'm gonna try another cloning software, if that fails...I guess I'll try downloading Win 8 for a fresh install.

 

[Ubrales]

I got this error while cloning:
"clone failed. write failed. 22 invalid argument"
I'm gonna try another cloning software, if that fails...I guess I'll try downloading Win 8 for a fresh install.

If you have the key that is a good idea!