HDD to SSD transfer question

I have been researching this topic for the past few days but still have a few questions I would like to ask.

(Sorry in advance for my stupidity/inexperience...)

My laptop came with a 32gb ssd in addition to its hdd. Because the original ssd is too small i purchased a larger sized ssd. I plan to use the paragon software migration tool to transfer data between drives but I have read others recommend a clean instillation of the OS. Since my laptop is new and only has Lenovo's crapware on it is this a non-issue for me?

If i were to use the Paragon software I do have a problem. Two folders have been placed on the ssd drive that came with the laptop (labeled "applications" and "drivers"). So, i need to get them on the hdd so i can transfer everything to the new ssd. Can i just click and drag the folders to my C-drive (with my hdd) or should i be doing something else?

Thanks,
Greg

 

If you're not interested in the bloatware, just do a fresh install provided you have a resource cd with all necessary drivers on it and some clear instruction of driver order. (I think as long as you install chipset first, the rest of the order is less important.) the reinstall should create a new driver and app folder during the install. (maybe not app due to less bloat ware)

 

Just do a clean install. You should have had two disks come with your machine. One for OS and one for drivers. If that is the case, then do not back up the drivers folder.

 

Greg,

My inexperience on installing the OS and all drivers new (especially with all the drivers I saw for the Alienware) led me to investigate cloning vs. a fresh install on a new machine. After extensive research, while I found a lot of people saying a fresh install of windows is better, I also found plenty of people across the web who say that they have used the Paragon software (or other migration/cloning methods) and it worked beautifully.

So, knowing I could always do a fresh OS install at any time I figured it was worth a shot to try the Paragon software. It was a very quick and easy process, my machine works perfectly (and very fast with no performance issues from the migration), by simply allowing the software to do its thing. Of course, Alienwares don't really have bloatware to speak of when new, so I wasn't worried at all about moving everything over. The paragon software will move all your folders, and even rename your new drive to the C drive for you.

Bottom line, if you want a fast and easy process, which has resulted in zero issues for me and many others across the web, I'd give the Paragon software a shot. As I said, you can always do a clean install at any time if you feel you need to do so. The other posters in this thread may well be correct that a new installation is the best option for you, not trying to be argumentative in any way...just sharing my experience with the software you mentioned. Good luck!

 

There are some things to be wary of when cloning form HDD to SSD. First make sure the cloning software you use will align the SSD or alight it manually before you clone, second, make sure auto defrag is turned off and third, make sure that TRIM is enabled.

 

Thanks for all the input guys. The computer didn't come with any software so if i were to do a clean install would I have to take note of all the drivers currently installed and re-download (after the clean install)? I know I haven't searched this yet, but is there a reputable way to get a copy of windows 7 on a disk?

I decided that i'm going to leave my hdd in my laptop to store a bunch of high def movies on. Therefore, do certain ssd optimization tips not apply since i will be running a hdd as well?

thanks for the help!

 

SSD Optimization? Not needed on Windows 7 SP1. (That's 'period').

To download Win7 ISO's legally:

See:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...-digitalriver-windows-7-sp1-13-languages.html


As for the drivers: depends on the notebook's manufacturer (does yours have an HP or Lenovo-like support/update assistant?)...

Good luck.

 

Thanks^! Once I do a clean install on the ssd, can i just plug in the hdd in the secondary drive slot, right click and reformat (if this is not OK can you please explain why)? Or is there a different process I should follow to wipe the drive?

I was referring to some of the optimization techniques discussed in this guide: The SSD Optimization Guide Redesigned - The SSD Review
*remember ill have an hdd as my secondary drive

 

Any SSD Optimization guide is bad for a modern SSD + Win7 SP1. (Those guides were barely adequate for the 2009 era SSD's on XP...).

If you can make a recovery backup (DVD or USB Key) of your current working setup, that is what I would do first (in addition to copying/moving any folders that might seem usable like the software/drivers folders) - then, go ahead and format the HDD.

Good luck.

 

I once tried two of those SSD optimizations found online and it made the benchmarks worse!! I had to undo it

 

Thanks for all the help!

I'm now trying to do a clean install on the SSD from a usb stick. During the win 7 instillation i get the following error message:

"Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an exsisting system partition."

How do i fix this?

I do have an mSATA drive installed that has data on it. Could that be the problem?

*btw the laptop only has one full size hard drive port

 

I take out all HDD's/SSD's except the one I will be installing the O/S on to.

When the Install Screen appears, choose Custom/Advanced. Then choose 'More Options' (I think...).

This will allow you to partition and format the new drive. If you can't see the drive at all, then you have other issues.

Once you have partitioned the drive as you want, format the partitions and make sure you are highlighting the partition (recommend at least 100GB capacity) you want to install Win7 to.

Once highlighted, hit enter and you should see the install start.

Good luck.

 

I'm at the screen your describing.

The space is orginall unallocated so I have to click the "new" button. Once i determine the parition size the disk is renamed from "disk 1 unallocated space" to "disk 1 partition 1." Whether i hit the format but or not afterwords, i still get the error message i previously stated.

if it matters the drive is 240 gigs

 

Is this the only drive in the system?

 

There is a micro sata drive in the laptop but i don't know where it is (I'm not very experienced). I'm trying to find it/take it out as we speak. The laptop is a Lenovo ideapad y480.