from HDD to SSD

i did search the forums for what i am about to ask but i did not locate an anwer...

all pros and cons aside for SSD's, how would one xfer from a HDD to an SSD in a laptop?
is there a program one can utilize to do a complete mirror image from one to the other?
is it better to do a clean install and xfer files from one to the other?
or is there a completly easier way that i am not knowledeable about?

thx in advance.

 

The SSD will need to have the same form factor and connector as the HDD it is replacing. Get an external USB enclosure and temporarily install the SSD into it. Then get cloning software such as Acronis MigrateEasy (the trial version is good for a month, which should be long enough for your needs) and clone the HDD onto the SSD. Note, however, that Acronis won't clone from a higher capacity to a lower capacity. One package that will clone and shrink is CasperXP, which also has a trial version (but is more expensive than Acronis to buy).

John

 

thx john...
just so i understand.
the cloning will also clone the OS so that the SSD can then be utilized after install...yes?
and when you mean higher to lower are you refering to say a 300G will not be cloned on a 200G? (eaxmple of sizes only)
but if i get the casperxp (is that vista compatable?) i can gor from 300 to 200?

again thx.

 

List of Pros and Cons for SSDs (vs HDDs) may be found here:

http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/testdrive/article.php/3760311

Further evaluation, please see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid-state_drive#Cost_and_capacity

and of course

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid-state_drive#Comparison_with_hard_disk_drives

A good article on SSDs in the mainstream i found..here:

http://www.texmemsys.com/files/f000171.pdf

A simple method of migrating to a new drive can be found here:

http://www.spearit.com/new_drive.html

The software used is MoveMe..this can be downloaded here:

http://www.spearit.com/downloads/MoveMe_Setup.exe

it is the full personal version

If you are planning on moving onto an SSD..then i recommend making an image of your OS..but first backup your data onto an external hard drive or similar:

http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/2039/vista_how_to_backup_files_create_image

Creating an ISO bootable image of Vista guide is available here:

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/...ootable-iso-image-from-vista-win-image-files/

SSDs will be much smaller than HDDs for now so do not migrate redundant or unnecessary data as it will just waste space..be careful when connecting and disconnecting cables too..also make sure you are using the right cables otherwise you will not get the speed advantage..

Hope this helps,

Yemo


PS

Look at
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/migrateeasy/

as John said and

http://www.fssdev.com/products/casperxp/

 

kewls - thx yemo.
i will take a look within the next day or so over all the links.
i am due to leave work soon and dont have net access from private location as of now.
again thx and ill post as soon as i get it all in....

 

Yes, cloning creates a bootable copy of the target HDD. Put it in and it will be ready to run.

CasperXP (which is compatible with Vista) will clone 300GB to 200GB provided the contents of individual partitions do not exceed the size of the scaled-down partition.

John

 

I ordered my m15x with an internal SSD..and smart bay HDD..so i get the best of both worlds..lol

 

show off....lol

so - with the info i have, my next question is what type of connections do i need to be aware of to take advantage of the speed of SSD's?