[SOLVED] Windows 8.1 - Cloneing SSD cause system to no longer boot

[Kronsoer]

I bought a new bigger SSD for my Windows 8.1 computer and I tried cloning the C drive to this new SDD using Ease Todo. Everything seemed fine until I restarted my computer after unplugging the original SSD. The computer displayed a BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG error which I have since been able to fix. I was then getting a boot configuration data missing error. I have followed advice I found online asking me to try the bootrec method of fixing this problem but it didn't work for me. I then removed all my hard drives but the original C drive and now when windows loads I only have a black screen after the BIOS. I made a recovery USB but none of the troubleshooting options work for me (errors or unsuccessful attempts). I am at a loss as to how this happened (I thought cloning a drive would be simple!) and I have hit a brick wall. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[USAFRet]

It seems you did something wrong in the cloning process.
Probably left off the boot partition?

What specific drives?


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Specific steps for a successful clone operation:
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Verify the actual used space on the current drive is significantly below the size of the new SSD
Download and install Macrium Reflect (or Samsung Data Migration, if a Samsung SSD)
Power off
Disconnect ALL drives except the current C and the new SSD
Power up
Run the Macrium Reflect (or Samsung Data Migration)
Select ALL the partitions on the existing C drive
Click the 'Clone' button
Wait until it is done
When it finishes, power off
Disconnect ALL drives except for the new SSD
This is to allow the system to try to boot from ONLY the SSD
Swap the SATA cables around so that the new drive is connected to the same SATA port as the old drive
Power up, and verify the BIOS boot order
If good, continue the power up

It should boot from the new drive, just like the old drive.
Maybe reboot a time or two, just to make sure.

If it works, and it should, all is good.

Later, reconnect the old drive and wipe all partitions on it.
This will probably require the commandline diskpart function, and the clean command.

Ask questions if anything is unclear.
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[Kronsoer]

I used the ease todo backup software I clicked clone and then clicked the C Drive as my course and my new sad as my destination. It might not have copied all the partitions but when I put the original ssd back to try again I am not getting back into windows. I will try the software you suggested if I get back into windows.

 

[Kronsoer]

I ended up just doing a fresh install on my new SSD and then restoring from a backup I had form Sunday and my system is now working fine (after fiddling with the boot priority to get the right windows boot manager as I somehow have three - a problem for another day). I will keep Macrium Reflect in mind for the future. Thanks