Moving just the windows folder over to SSD?

[Argyrud]

I just got a SSD today and I want to move only windows over to the new ssd.
I bought paragon Migrate to do it.
What I am asking is do i only select the windows folder and keep the rest of the files such as program and users on the HDD?

 

[Mattios]

That won't work, you can't just 'move windows'. You need to install Windows on to the new SSD via USB or DVD.

 

[George Mulligan]

I'm not familiar with that particular software, but it doesn't sound right. There should be two procedures, one to migrate the OS and/or programs, and two to move/migrate data. The latter is where you would select particular folders, but to move the OS, it seems strange that the software would be asking the user to select folders for an OS migration. Double-check that with whatever support they offer.

 

[Argyrud]

https://www.paragon-software.com/technologies/components/migrate-OS-to-SSD/
Says it transfers the data perfectly fine without any impact.
I am not simply just moving the folder across I am using Migrate to move just the os across (windows folder)
What I am trying to figure out is do I need to include the Program files with the folder selection or can I just uncheck those and just do the windows folder.

 

[Mattios]

Hmm, you're welcome to try it then.

I just foresee issues with registry keys, program folders etc... you're far safer to just clean install on the SSD, and then boot off that and delete the OS from the old drive.

 

[ArtPog]

I've never worked with that Paragon Migrate OS to SSD 4.0 program but I have noticed the developer's description as well as some user comments that indicate the program is designed to migrate the OS from one drive to another drive. If the program could actually do this reliably and make it reasonably easy for a user to accomplish that task it would be an extremely useful feature. As in your case many users have a large-capacity HDD containing their OS + all their programs & data and now want to clone ONLY the OS over to their new SSD because the SSD doesn't have the capacity to contain the complete contents of the HDD.

One user who frequently responds to queries on this Forum has indicated a number of times that the Paragon program works very well. On the other hand the user comments on Newegg's site aren't by & large very encouraging. But the program sells for only $14.95 so maybe it's worth a shot.

 

[George Mulligan]

It seems the OS migration would automatically transfer the Windows related folders, and you shouldn't need to "check" them to be copied.

 

[Mattios]

Please do report back OP, I'd be interested to know if this works. Check frequently used programs work as expected too.

 

[Argyrud]

I couldn't test it fully, since my SSD died soon as I restarted the pc.
I have to do a RMA and hopefully get a different model since this is the second time this type of SSD has stopped working.