Is there a program that can move windows 7 to an SSD?

[Guest]

I'm thinking of investing in an SSD for Windows 7. I've been recommended to do so many times because it increases performance. But I don't feel like doing a fresh install.

Is there a program that is reliable that can move windows over to an SSD without me having to back anything up? I don't have anything to backup onto anyways

 

[Kurdain1]

I think you can do it by taking a drive image.
I would like to know the same thing because I was to move everything on my C: drive to a SSD in the near future as well. (C: is only windows, no games)

 

[legokill101]

the esiest way is to compress you partion down so that it is small enough to be cloned onto the sdd using recovery sofware and then you change the boot order and delete the old version

 

[photonboy]

Two methods:
1. CLONING
2. Backup/Restore

I tried FOUR different cloning software but only got THIS one to work (on the 2nd try for some reason):
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

To use:
1. Install Macrium
2. CLONE from HDD to SSD (need enough space)
3. Shutdown, remove HDD and boot to SSD

Recommended SSD:
Samsung 840 EVO

SSD tasks:
1. Install Samsung Magician
2. update SSD firmware
3. apply overprovisioning
(*will have roughly 75% to 80% capacity of listed speck such as 90GB or slightly more on 120GB SSD)

If you have a Seagate or Western Digital HDD (even USB) you can install Acronis True Image Free. I've found it's cloning software often didn't work but I could do a BACKUP and RESTORE just fine (restore to the SSD).

Other issues:
1) If AHCI isn't already enabled in the motherboard BIOS for the SATA controller your Windows 7 is installed on you may have to Google for the solution on how to modify Windows (on the SSD) so you can change the BIOS to AHCI without problems.

2) Boot order can be affected by adding another drive. If your PC gives a "not found" error or otherwise can't boot go into the BIOS and make sure the desired SSD or HDD is at the top of the Boot Order.

 

[USAFRet]

I always recommend a fresh install on a new SSD. Why bring all the old cruft over onto that new speedy drive?

There are a few clone/migration tools that will do what you seek, but there are a few things to take into consideration first!

How much space is taken up on your current drive? How large is the proposed SSD?
If the SSD is smaller than the current used space, there will be issues. You can't put 10lbs of potatoes in a 5lb bag.

Generally, the options with the clone tools are thus:
1. Clone the whole drive
2. Clone only a partition.
3. Clone everything in a partition, but some allow you to exclude the Documents/Music/etc libraries.

I've not seen one that will move only 'Windows'.

Fresh install Windows on the SSD, then install applications wherever you want.

 

[Guest]

I always recommend a fresh install on a new SSD. Why bring all the old cruft over onto that new speedy drive?

There are a few clone/migration tools that will do what you seek, but there are a few things to take into consideration first!

How much space is taken up on your current drive? How large is the proposed SSD?
If the SSD is smaller than the current used space, there will be issues. You can't put 10lbs of potatoes in a 5lb bag.

Generally, the options with the clone tools are thus:
1. Clone the whole drive
2. Clone only a partition.
3. Clone everything in a partition, but some allow you to exclude the Documents/Music/etc libraries.

I've not seen one that will move only 'Windows'.

Fresh install Windows on the SSD, then install applications wherever you want.

Thinking of getting a Kingston Digital 120GB SSDNow V300
Right now I'm only using 70 gigs on my 1 tb hard drive.
Thanks for letting me know that 10lbs of potatoes fit in a 5lb bag. Although its a bit off topic. :lol: oh wait I get it now

 

[USAFRet]

I always recommend a fresh install on a new SSD. Why bring all the old cruft over onto that new speedy drive?

There are a few clone/migration tools that will do what you seek, but there are a few things to take into consideration first!

How much space is taken up on your current drive? How large is the proposed SSD?
If the SSD is smaller than the current used space, there will be issues. You can't put 10lbs of potatoes in a 5lb bag.

Generally, the options with the clone tools are thus:
1. Clone the whole drive
2. Clone only a partition.
3. Clone everything in a partition, but some allow you to exclude the Documents/Music/etc libraries.

I've not seen one that will move only 'Windows'.

Fresh install Windows on the SSD, then install applications wherever you want.

Thinking of getting a Kingston Digital 120GB SSDNow V300
Right now I'm only using 70 gigs on my 1 tb hard drive.
Thanks for letting me know that 10lbs of potatoes fit in a 5lb bag. Although its a bit off topic. :lol:

If you only have 70GB used space, then yes, you can migrate to that new SSD. Most people looking for a solution like this have it much the other way around.

 

[Fragrant1234]

I'm thinking of investing in an SSD for Windows 7. I've been recommended to do so many times because it increases performance. But I don't feel like doing a fresh install.

Is there a program that is reliable that can move windows over to an SSD without me having to back anything up? I don't have anything to backup onto anyways

There is Intel's ssd migration software that does just what you are asking. I haven't used it so I don't know for sure if it's working well but at least you can try it for free. Of course having a back up solution beforehand would be the ideal.

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=19324

 

[Fragrant1234]

I'm thinking of investing in an SSD for Windows 7. I've been recommended to do so many times because it increases performance. But I don't feel like doing a fresh install.

Is there a program that is reliable that can move windows over to an SSD without me having to back anything up? I don't have anything to backup onto anyways

There is Intel's ssd migration software that does just what you are asking. I haven't used it so I don't know for sure if it's working well but at least you can try it for free. Of course having a back up solution beforehand would be the ideal.

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=19324