Question about getting a new SSD

[Jaseow]

Hi there,

I currently have my OS (windows 7 64 bit) as well as some program files / drivers installed on my 64gb mSata (c:/)

I also have a 750gb HDD where I install my games / keep my photos / movies.

If I wanted to upgrade my mSata SSD to a 128 or 256gb one for more storage, can I just clone the current SSD and have a way to out it onto the new SSD and have my system running as normal?

How would I go about doing that as I will not be able to access both SSD's at the same time to do a direct clone over.

Will I have an option to put the cloned image onto the new SSD if i burn the img into a CD or thumbdrive?

 

[Alec Mowat]

if you have a second HD that's not in use, you should be able to create an image level backup with Windows Backup. You can copy from a smaller HD to a larger HD.

 

[Jaseow]

Im not too sure what that means.

I just want to know whats the best way to clone my current SSD (which has my OS installed) to a new SSD that I plan to replace it with, given my current set up.

I cant just clone it over as I do not have a way to have both the old and new mSata SSD's connected at once.

 

[Jaseow]

Ok Ive done a bit of reading up and realise what you are talking about.

Next question is, if my new SSD is not plug and play, what is my next step?

Ive read somewhere that certain SSD's need to be configured in disk management first before being able to be accessed.

As I will not have a spare laptop/pC to connect that new ssd toto configure in disk management., what would be my options then?

 

[Alec Mowat]

Ok Ive done a bit of reading up and realise what you are talking about.

Next question is, if my new SSD is not plug and play, what is my next step?

Ive read somewhere that certain SSD's need to be configured in disk management first before being able to be accessed.

As I will not have a spare laptop/pC to connect that new ssd toto configure in disk management., what would be my options then?

From: http://www.pagestart.com/win7bckuprstrnhd072610.html

Windows 7’s Backup and Restore, It’s free but the documentation leaves a lot to be desired.
1) Create a System Image backup to the USB drive. When prompted to create a ‘System Repair’ disk, do so.

2) Shutdown the computer and remove the hard drive power and SATA connectors from your original Windows 7 hard drive and any additional internal hard drives.

3) Connect the power and SATA connector to the new hard drive. At this point this should be your only internal hard drive connected to the computer’s motherboard.

4) Boot from the ‘System Repair’ disc.

5) Verify the keyboard input method and click ‘Next’.

6) Select the ‘Restore your computer using a system image that you created’ option located in the lower left and click ‘Next’.

7) A scan for system images that are on your USB drive will begin. At completion of the scan you will have the option to ‘Use the latest available system image’ or ‘Select a system image’. Choose the recommended option and use the latest available system image and click ‘Next’.

8) Choose additional restore options: Note: The ‘Format and repartition disks’ option will be check marked but disabled/grayed out. Click ‘Next’.

9) The ‘Your computer will be restored from the following system image:’ information will be displayed. Click ‘Finish’.

10) Re-image Your Computer prompt. You will now see a pop up with the following message: All data to be restored will be formatted and replaced with the layout and data in the system image. Are you sure you want to continue? Click ‘Yes’.
11) Windows will now start restoring the image to the new hard drive.

12) At the completion of the image restoration your computer will reboot, sit back and wait for Windows to start and then logon as you normally do, then remove the System Repair disc.

13) You may be prompted to restart the computer to apply changes. Restart the computer.


How old is your system?

Unless your PC is ancient, I wouldn't worry about that. The Windows 7 CD should recognize it. If not, you can format it via DISKPART in CMD.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/300415


Just do a system restore option, point to the image and it "should" load without issues.


Although this is doable and should work, I don't recommend it. I recommend a clean install. You may end up with strange issues (like BSOD) over time, or a licensing issue if it's an OEM copy.