How to only move the OS to SSD from HDD

[jdkang]

Hello this is my first post on here. Anyway, I recently bought a PNY 120GB SSD for bigger games and games with slower load times.

However recently, I've been thinking about using the SSD as the boot drive and OS holder to make the OS run faster and what not because I've noticed that my OS has been slower. So my question is, is there a way to do this with my HDD still connected so I can have access to both, as more of my important data will be on my HDD.

Thank you.

 

[elbert]

It would be easier to just reinstall your OS on the SSD. I cant seem to find cloning software on Pny's site.

 

[ArtPog]

There's no need for a PNY disk-cloning program. There are literally dozens of d-c programs available that can effect a d-c operation..

But jd, you haven't provided sufficient info...
1. What is the total data contents on your HDD?
2. Is the HDD multi-partitioned and if so is the OS installed on only one of the partitions? If so what is the size of that partition and the size of the data contents on that partition?

 

[Scottray]

What OS are you using and do you have the installation media?

 

[jdkang]

There's no need for a PNY disk-cloning program. There are literally dozens of d-c programs available that can effect a d-c operation..

But jd, you haven't provided sufficient info...
1. What is the total data contents on your HDD?
2. Is the HDD multi-partitioned and if so is the OS installed on only one of the partitions? If so what is the size of that partition and the size of the data contents on that partition?

https://gyazo.com/0ea981c294b4f57d71f96e7d745db10f
Not sure if this screenshot will help you or not.

 

[jdkang]

What OS are you using and do you have the installation media?

I'm using Windows 10 and no I don't. Windows just gave the update as a Windows 8 upgrade or something. This was last year I believe.

 

[Wayfall]

Truthfully the safest way is to do a clean install like 'Elbert' recommended.

It may take a long time to install an OS & its updates then drivers and then moving all your stuff across but its the safest.

 

[jdkang]

Truthfully the safest way is to do a clean install like 'Elbert' recommended.

It may take a long time to install an OS & its updates then drivers and then moving all your stuff across but its the safest.

But what if I don't have the OS installation cd or key? I"m using Windows 10 64-bit.

 

[elbert]

You want to link your Microsoft account with the digital license.
http://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

 

[Wayfall]

Why don't you have either....

You should have either the CD which has a card with the serial on or a digital download version which you link to your account and the serial is usually emailed to you.

 

[USAFRet]

Truthfully the safest way is to do a clean install like 'Elbert' recommended.

It may take a long time to install an OS & its updates then drivers and then moving all your stuff across but its the safest.

But what if I don't have the OS installation cd or key? I"m using Windows 10 64-bit.

Win 10, you can download directly from Microsoft and create your own DVD or USB.
Here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

If you are only changing the drive, you will not need to enter the license key
During the install, when it asks 'where', select "I don't have a license key" at the bottom of the dialog box.

It will activate itself when it goes online.

 

[USAFRet]

Now....to your initial question:

1. You can't move only the OS to the new drive.
2. After the clean install on your new SSD, you won't be able to use the applications on the old drive. They will need to be reinstalled again with the new OS. Either on the SSD or somewhere on the old HDD

 

[Wayfall]

For future reference if you ever reinstall on the same drive ( i know your going from HDD to SSD) windows will make a windows old folder with all your stuff from your old partion

 

[USAFRet]

For future reference if you ever reinstall on the same drive ( i know your going from HDD to SSD) windows will make a windows old folder with all your stuff from your old partion

Not quite 'everything'
The OS files and settings, and files that exist under the individual /Users/ folders/accounts
But stuff outside of that folder structure is gone.

I would not trust windows.old to keep my stuff through a new install. I'd rather have it actually backed up to another drive that is actually offline during the install.

 

[jdkang]

Truthfully the safest way is to do a clean install like 'Elbert' recommended.

It may take a long time to install an OS & its updates then drivers and then moving all your stuff across but its the safest.

But what if I don't have the OS installation cd or key? I"m using Windows 10 64-bit.

Win 10, you can download directly from Microsoft and create your own DVD or USB.
Here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

If you are only changing the drive, you will not need to enter the license key
During the install, when it asks 'where', select "I don't have a license key" at the bottom of the dialog box.

It will activate itself when it goes online.

I think I'll just do this method then. Take out my HDD, plug in SSD and reinstall windows 10 and then just plug in the HDD again and get it recognized, then just start reinstalling all of my stuff.

That sound about right?

 

[USAFRet]

I think I'll just do this method then. Take out my HDD, plug in SSD and reinstall windows 10 and then just plug in the HDD again and get it recognized, then just start reinstalling all of my stuff.

That sound about right?

Exactly.
Have any username/password/serial number combinations documented. It will help immensely.

Last week I did a full reinstall, of everything, due to a major hardware change. And, it was time.

When I went to reinstall my main CAD package ($1,000), it choked on the email address I gave it to reauthorize.
I couldn't remember what email address I used 2 yrs ago when I first bought it....lol
A bit of a panic until I sorted it out.

 

[jdkang]

I think I'll just do this method then. Take out my HDD, plug in SSD and reinstall windows 10 and then just plug in the HDD again and get it recognized, then just start reinstalling all of my stuff.

That sound about right?

Exactly.
Have any username/password/serial number combinations documented. It will help immensely.

Last week I did a full reinstall, of everything, due to a major hardware change. And, it was time.

When I went to reinstall my main CAD package ($1,000), it choked on the email address I gave it to reauthorize.
I couldn't remember what email address I used 2 yrs ago when I first bought it....lol
A bit of a panic until I sorted it out.

Damn that sucks lol. Everything I need to worry about is my games and OS really so I'll be good....hopefully.