Data Migration Software

[iJackWilson]

A few months ago I cheaped out and bought a 120gb SSD. I am constantly clearing/moving stuff from it to make space. I'm bored of doing this every couple of days and I've decided to buy a 240/250/256gb SSD to replace it. Is there any trustworthy/easy to use data migration software to easily move the entire OS, programs etc to the new SSD?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ss202sl]

Acronis.

What are you putting on the SSD? Do you also have a HDD for applications and data?

 

[iJackWilson]

Acronis.

What are you putting on the SSD? Do you also have a HDD for applications and data?

Windows and programs. I also have 1/2 of my most-played games. I could put the programs/games on a HDD but I like how quickly they launch on an SSD.

 

[boosted1g]

Just buy a Samsung 850 or 840 ssd and it will come with data migration software.

 

[royalcrown]

I have an 840 and the software for that is so so, but usable. Acronis Trueimage comes with migration software built in. They rolled their MigrateEasy product into it some years ago.

 

[iJackWilson]

Just buy a Samsung 850 or 840 ssd and it will come with data migration software.

I had looked at the samsung SSDs, but I was wanting to stick with the same brand (crucial) because I've got a bit of OCD for things like that. I've found that crucial offer data migration software, so I might try that.

EDIT: Crucial HAD data migration software, but now they just recommend acronis.

 

[royalcrown]

Well if you buy Acronis you get free backup software with your migration software and the ability to do cool stuff like restore that backup from a hidden partition, having a message at post that says, Press F11 to restore." Other cool stuff is having a backup with just windows installed, and another one with all your apps installed and switching if you need to, like getting sick of those apps and loading the bare OS.

 

[ArtPog]

Jack:
There are a host of "data migration" (disk-cloning) programs freely available on the net (including the one likely to be included with the new SSD you will be purchasing) that you could try to determine if this one or that one suits your needs. I haven't had a great deal of experience with many of them because the disk-cloning program I exclusively used is a commercial product that sells for $49.99. (I'm primarily interested in a disk-cloning program that can be effectively used - because of its speed & reliability - as a routine comprehensive backup system and I've never found a program its equal in this regard).

But assuming your interest is exclusively in a one-shot disk-cloning operation you might want to look into this Macrium Reflex Free program which is available at...
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/macrium_reflect_free_edition.html

I used the program a number of times and it seemed to do the job fine as a one-shot disk-cloning program. Some of the members of a local computer club I attend were interested in the program so I prepared these instructions as a handout to them for using the program:

Before opening the Macrium Reflex Free program and undertaking the disk-cloning operation close any open programs and remove or uninstall all storage devices, e.g, flash drives, other external USB devices, from the PC other than the source & destination disks that will be involved in the cloning operation. It is unnecessary to uninstall any fixed HDD/SSDs.

The destination disk can be installed either as an internally-connected drive or as a USB external HDD/SSD.

1. With both the source & destination disks connected, boot to the source disk & open the Macrium Reflex Free program.

2. The opening window will reflect the two disks. The destination disk will be listed below the source disk. Both disks should be check-marked (default).

3. Click "Clone this disk".

4. On the next window click "Select a disk to clone to...". The destination disk should appear in the window.

5. Click on the graphic of the destination disk, then click Next.

6. The Clone Summary window will appear indicating that the source disk will be copied to the destination disk. Confirm that the correct source & destination disks have been noted.

7. Click Finish.

8. The Confirmation Overwrite window will appear requesting confirmation of the disk-cloning process. Again, ensure that the correct source & destination disks have been listed.

9. Click Continue...

10. After the destination disk is successfully cloned ensure that it is connected to the motherboard's first SATA connector which will be designated either SATA 0 or SATA 1 depending upon the motherboard's designations. I'm assuming, of course, that the cloned disk is to serve as the PC's new boot drive.

So as you can see it's a relatively simple & straightforward process and you shouldn't have any problems with it.