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    Recommendation: Use HDD backup image and restore it on an SSD?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by garetjax, Aug 10, 2012.

  1. garetjax

    garetjax NBR Freelance Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    I just got done setting up a new laptop with a Western Digital 500GB hard drive. After getting the laptop situated, I used Acronis True Image Home to make a backup image of the entire hard drive.

    After mulling things over though, I've decided to upgrade the 500GB hard drive with a new 180GB Intel 520 SSD. I'd rather not have to re-install Windows and all the programs, software, applications, drivers and updates onto the new SSD; would it be kosher to just use the HDD backup image I created with Acronis and restore that image on the SSD?

    Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!
     
    garetjax, Aug 10, 2012
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  2. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    I know it would be a pain in the butt, but I'd highly recommend doing a clean install. Windows will set everything up appropriately so you won't have any performance bottlenecks or unnecessary wear on your SSD.
     
    HTWingNut, Aug 11, 2012
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  3. TANWare

    TANWare Just This Side of Senile, I think. Super Moderator

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    So long as the partition is aligned properly then windows 7 backup and restore works well. The one this is you haave to reduce the primary partition to lower than the SSD you plan to restore too. If your new SSD ia 180 GB get the primary down to 150GB, to be safe, and then make the backup. One it is installed go back and expand the partition size.

    I can't stress this enough though. The partition as to be aligned properly. Now Windows 7 when it reinstalls the OS will format and allign so you should be ok but better safe than sorry. I have the same install that has transitioned this way from HDD, to hybridd HDD, to raid0 hybrid HDD (very short term), to hybrid HDD, to 120GB SSD to the now 480GB SSD.
     
    TANWare, Aug 11, 2012
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