HDD to SSD upgrade settings migration?

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I’m running Win7 Pro x64 SP1 from a 500 GB HDD (partitioned into system/programs C: and data D:). I’m preparing to add an SSD to use as my system and programs drive, keeping the HDD for data storage.

I’m planning on a fresh install of Win7 and all my programs on the SSD, but would like to transfer the Win7 and program settings from the HDD to the SSD, rather than having to recreate all my settings. I’m thinking that this would happen after the SSD has Win7 and all programs installed and is running as the boot drive, but before removing the system and programs partition from the HDD. In other words, the migration would occur internally to the PC (no LAN, USB, or other “external” transfers).

Is this something that Windows Easy Transfer can handle? Or this would best be done using some other utility? Or am I in need of a reality check (meaning that I should just plan on documenting all my current settings and manually re-entering them on the SSD)?

FYI, I’ve looked into LapLink’s PCmover Pro, but it looks like expensive overkill for this task (and is reportedly unreliable, to boot, going by all the user reviews I’ve seen)–and that’s even assuming that it’s capable of doing an internal settings migration (which isn’t clear from their web site).

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Bethel,

I’d suggest using an Imaging program like Macrium Reflect or EaseUs ToDo Backup.

If using Macrium Reflect.

[*]Install the program
[*]Make the Recovery Media
[*]Take an image of your current drive.
[*]Verify the Image (this is a separate step with the Free version or an Option with the Paid version)
[*]Remove the HDD and replace it with the SSD.
[*]Boot from the recovery media and Restore the image for all partitions except the data partition to the SSD.
[*]Boot the machine and use a tool to make sure the partitions are properly aligned.
[*]Align the partitions if not properly aligned. (since you’re already using 7 this shouldn’t be a problem but you want to make sure).
[*]Replace the HDD
[*]Use a Partitioning tool like EaseUS Partition Master Free or Partition Mini-Tool to delete all the partitions on the HDD with the exception of the Data partition.
[*]Use the same tool to resize the data partition to use the entire disk or create a second partition for what ever use you want.
[*]Also reset the drive letter for your data partition as it will most likely be changed.
[*]Reboot and go.

HTH :Cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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Bethel,

I’d suggest using an Imaging program like Macrium Reflect or EaseUs ToDo Backup.

Thanks for taking all that time to respond, but please re-read my post–I don’t want to use my existing Win7 install, nor do I intend to remove the existing HDD. My project is somewhat different than what you’ve described.

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Bethel,

I realize that but you also state

but would like to transfer the Win7 and program settings from the HDD to the SSD, rather than having to recreate all my settings

The Transfer Wizard will only move setting for MS programs. If you want all your settings to move you need to use the method I described. Your choice. HTH :cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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Bethel,

I realize that but you also state
The Transfer Wizard will only move setting for MS programs. If you want all your settings to move you need to use the method I described. Your choice. HTH :cheers:

Actually, the MS Office settings are my biggest concern (and an image restore does too much–my current Win7 install is old and a bit wonky). So will Windows Easy Transfer work drive-to-drive, if that turns out to be my only option?

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Bethel,

If you are talking about 2 drives in the same machine the answer TTBOMK is No. You can do it machine to machine over a network of the easiest way I think is via a USB Thumb Drive. HTH :Cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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