[SOLVED] Cloning from HDD to SSD

[rca1802]

how to clone OS from one large partition HDD to smaller SSD

 

[USAFRet]

how to clone OS from one large partition HDD to smaller SSD

What size is the new SSD, how much space is actually consumed on the current HDD, and what OS is this?

Assuming the actual space on the current drive is smaller than the SSD, then it may be a possibility.
Also, more details about the whole system.
What specific drives, laptop or desktop, etc, etc.


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Specific steps for a successful clone operation:
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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

Ask questions if anything is unclear.
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[jay32267]

A lot of cloning software will let you change the partition size when you clone....although I would recommend you not fill the SSD to more than 80%, so obviously if you have more than that on the HDD you need to get it off first.

 

[rca1802]

Sorry guys, trying to cut explanations short, my bad. My HDD is 1TB (almost full) and my SSD is 120GB. Since my HHD is only one partition I know it want clone OS alone so here we are. I guess my real question is two fold. 1.) If I use cloning software to exclude everything (meaning data and programs) but OS on HHD, what files to leave for cloning and will my system work when those data and programs are put back on HHD. 2.) If I just reinstall OS on SSD , how do I get data data and programs on HHD to work?

Sorry for trying to save lots of work with shortcuts but don't know until you try.

Thanks.
Rca1802

 

[USAFRet]

Sorry guys, trying to cut explanations short, my bad. My HDD is 1TB (almost full) and my SSD is 120GB. Since my HHD is only one partition I know it want clone OS alone so here we are. I guess my real question is two fold. 1.) If I use cloning software to exclude everything (meaning data and programs) but OS on HHD, what files to leave for cloning and will my system work when those data and programs are put back on HHD. 2.) If I just reinstall OS on SSD , how do I get data data and programs on HHD to work?

Sorry for trying to save lots of work with shortcuts but don't know until you try.

Thanks.
Rca1802

OK, that absolutely will NOT work.
There is no "shortcut" for this.

There is no function or application to clone "only Windows".
Doesn't exist.

Going into a 120GB drive, the total consumed space needs to be below 85GB or so.
And you can't 'deselect' programs. Doesn't work like that.

So, you're left with a clean install on this little SSD.
Meaning all your "programs" that currently live on the HDD will not work.

You'll be starting over, with a bare install, and then reinstalling all your applications.
Your personal data (doc/music/video) can be accessed on the HDD, but it will be a navigation pain.

 

[rca1802]

Sorry guys, trying to cut explanations short, my bad. My HDD is 1TB (almost full) and my SSD is 120GB. Since my HHD is only one partition I know it want clone OS alone so here we are. I guess my real question is two fold. 1.) If I use cloning software to exclude everything (meaning data and programs) but OS on HHD, what files to leave for cloning and will my system work when those data and programs are put back on HHD. 2.) If I just reinstall OS on SSD , how do I get data data and programs on HHD to work?

Sorry for trying to save lots of work with shortcuts but don't know until you try.

Thanks.
Rca1802

OK, that absolutely will NOT work.
There is no "shortcut" for this.

There is no function or application to clone "only Windows".
Doesn't exist.

Going into a 120GB drive, the total consumed space needs to be below 85GB or so.
And you can't 'deselect' programs. Doesn't work like that.

So, you're left with a clean install on this little SSD.
Meaning all your "programs" that currently live on the HDD will not work.

You'll be starting over, with a bare install, and then reinstalling all your applications.
Your personal data (doc/music/video) can be accessed on the HDD, but it will be a navigation pain.

 

[rca1802]

Thanks for answer and for your Service.

Well so much for single partitions. I guess I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. Wish i knew then what i know now. I will think about my situation and report back to this forum.

Thanks again all.
Rca1802

 

[USAFRet]

Thanks for answer and for your Service.

Well so much for single partitions. I guess I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. Wish i knew then what i know now. I will think about my situation and report back to this forum.

Thanks again all.
Rca1802

Thanks, and I know where you're coming from.
We've all been in your spot a time or two. Often, there is no easy way forward.

Time to back up and punt.