How do I transfer just windows to a new SSD from my old HDD

[toastmyjam]

I have recently purchased a new SSD for my system and want to transfer Windows 7 from my old hard drive to it. However, I ONLY WANT TO TRANSFER WINDOWS to my new drive NOT any other programs as there is not enough space on the SSD. Is there a program I can use to select only certain things to transfer?

BTW moving my data to an external drive, to make more space, whilst I transfer windows is not an option.

Any help is much appreciated

 

[spooky2th]

You can't. The only way to do that is to install windows from scratch onto the SSD, then load MB drivers, etc.

Install the SSD into the sata port that the original boot drive was in and install windows. Afterwards, when your comp is up and running OK, install the old HDD in another sata port and you should have access to it to do whatever you want with it.

 

[ex_bubblehead]

You cannot transfer just the OS. The best solution is always a clean installation on the SSD (with only the SSD attached), followed by a reinstallation of your programs, directing those that can be redirected via custom installation.

 

[USAFRet]

As said, the best option is a clean install on the new SSD.
However, there is one application that I am aware that purports to move 'only' the OS.

Non-free Paragon Migrate
http://www.paragon-software.com/technologies/components/migrate-OS-to-SSD/

I've never used it, so I can't comment on how well it works.
And however you choose to 'migrate' there is only a limited number of options to select 'what' you want to move. You can't select applications A, B, and D, and exclude applications C, E, and F. That does not exist.

Again...for a new SSD, the best option is simply a clean install of the OS and applications.

'Moving your data' is always an option, even if it is an option you don't like.

 

[Iankiller99]

umm. yes you can here's the free software I used to do it http://www.backup-utility.com/free-backup-software.html You want to clone the drive the os is on so basically copy the entire drive with that program onto your new SSD, but you WILL need the amount of files on your HDD to be smaller or the exact amount of your ssd. So basically delete everything you can easily re install like steam games or videos youve downloaded. I had had to do the same thing a short while ago, re installing games was annoying but worth it. For a step by step walkthrough see this link: http://www.backup-utility.com/clone/transfer-os-to-another-hard-drive.html

 

[USAFRet]

You want to clone the drive the os is on so basically copy the entire drive with that program onto your new SSD, but you WILL need the amount of files on your HDD to be smaller or the exact amount of your ssd.

That's what he can't do, due to the SSD being smaller than the installed space on the current HDD.

 

[Iankiller99]

You want to clone the drive the os is on so basically copy the entire drive with that program onto your new SSD, but you WILL need the amount of files on your HDD to be smaller or the exact amount of your ssd.

That's what he can't do, due to the SSD being smaller than the installed space on the current HDD.

Man you should READ more "So basically delete everything you can easily re install like steam games, programs, or videos youve downloaded" I told him to free up space, its either re install everything, or just re install some things. Or borrow another drive and copy those files you would have deleted to make room to that drive, then once you swap the os over re install those files back onto your hard drive. Also, are you sure you have no buddies that might lend you a drive to put things on while you transfer?

 

[spooky2th]

I would just install windows onto the ssd like I described above. Then install the hdd and you have all your files and data accessable. You then can delete windows, other apps and other files that you no longer need on the hdd afterwards.

Don't know what MB you have but before windows install, make sure bios is set to AHCI mode which is better for the ssd speed.

 

[USAFRet]

You want to clone the drive the os is on so basically copy the entire drive with that program onto your new SSD, but you WILL need the amount of files on your HDD to be smaller or the exact amount of your ssd.

That's what he can't do, due to the SSD being smaller than the installed space on the current HDD.

Man you should READ more "So basically delete everything you can easily re install like steam games, programs, or videos youve downloaded" I told him to free up space, its either re install everything, or just re install some things. Or borrow another drive and copy those files you would have deleted to make room to that drive, then once you swap the os over re install those files back onto your hard drive. Also, are you sure you have no buddies that might lend you a drive to put things on while you transfer?

Well, if you read the initial question....that was not an option.

Of COURSE uninstalling things, moving data to other drives to get the installed space smaller than the SSD is an option, if you are hellbent on doing a migration.

The OP stated "BTW moving my data to an external drive, to make more space, whilst I transfer windows is not an option."

Therefore, I suggested what I suggested.
(it is always an option, even if you don't like it)

And my personal recommendation, almost always, is simply a clean install on a new SSD, rather than a clone/migration. Far less chance of fail. And if you've never seen a migration fail (especially large HDD to smaller SSD), either you've not tried it enough times, or you have not read in here enough.

Again, I recommend a clean install on the new SSD.

 

[Iankiller99]

I noticed he said not an option, didnt know if he'd explored all avenues, and i'd appreciate it if you cut back on the attitude, its not needed here.

 

[Mousemonkey]

I noticed he said not an option, didnt know if he'd explored all avenues, and i'd appreciate it if you cut back on the attitude, its not needed here.

IMO you are the one with the attitude problem.

 

[USAFRet]

I noticed he said not an option, didnt know if he'd explored all avenues, and i'd appreciate it if you cut back on the attitude, its not needed here.

I'm not sure what you see as 'attitude' in this.

But whatever, lets assist the OP in getting to the endpoint he desires.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

I'll add a +1 for the clean install method. Nothing ever works as well as a nice new install.

 

[Onus]

I would endeavor to make another drive a valid option; you'll continue to use it for system backups once the migration is done.