Using an SSD migrate too for SSD to SSD

I recall using AOIME (whatevs) backup tool some time ago but I didn't stick with it.

But with SSD to SSD I want to give it another whirl. Any known issues with it?
Has it been updated recently?

I've seen one tutorial on it at the AOMEI (whatevs) site that pops up in a search.

Recent boot problems lead me to ask this: If I do a clone migrate from a
working bootable SSD to another, will that cause a conflict when trying to open
one or the other as a D: drive?


Other strange thing I ran into using the Win7 Repair tool recently was the
Repair startup seemed to engage with no disk in the drive-- like it was in the
system temporary memory some place. I reset the CMOS and that seemed to
rid of the problem but where does it come from?

I would strongly recommend that you consider using Macrium Reflect, either the FREE version or the non-free HOME version (not free but reasonably priced and well worth having the additional features). This is a terrific, reliable, easy-to-use, intuitive product for most of your storage-related needs.

In particular it performs storage-to-storage functions, such as "direct cloning" some/multiple/all partitions from say from one smaller "bootable" SSD to a new larger SSD which you want to make your new "bootable" drive. Normally you would select ALL OF THE BOOT-RELATED partitions at a minimum if you were cloning from an old smaller drive to a new larger drive and could have both drives physically installed at the same time. Otherwise if you couldn't have both devices available simultaneously your objective would have to be met by a 2-step process of first copy-out, then swap hardware, and then copy-back.

It also can be used for "image backups" of partitions (either bootable or not) to internal/external "backup partitions/drives". These backups can be taken as step #1 of a 2-step hardware migration process (before then swapping out the old drive and installing a new drive), of which step #2 would then be the restore from the backup location to the newly installed target drive.

Or, these "system image" backups can be taken on an automated regularly scheduled frequency (like every night or week or multiple times per week, etc.). This is just good hygiene and protection technique to guarantee your insulation from unexpected unpredictable hardware or software disaster.

You can also selectively recover any folder/files from the "system image" backups, without having to actually restore that image to some actual physical target partition. Macrium Reflect provides a "browse image" function, which performs a "MOUNT" of the image to a "virtual partition drive letter", which is now available through Windows Explorer just like any other real physical drive letter. When you're done with this virtual partition you can UNMOUNT it, or it will disappear on its own if you reboot your machine.

The FREE version of the product supports all of these fundamental "system image" functions, including cloning (i.e. partition "copy"), backup/restore, automatic job scheduling, virtual drive mounting/browsing, standalone "emergency" Macrium Reflect Rescue program execution either through (a) Boot Manager menu item, or (b) bootable USB flash media, etc. Backups can be FULL or INCREMENTAL or DIFFERENTIAL.

The non-free HOME version includes additional "data" backup functionality, for FOLDER/FILE "data" backup and recovery. Also included is enhanced functionality related to VM, including "virtual booting". Also included is faster/superior backup/restore performance speed than is available in the FREE version.

Investigate Macrium Reflect. I've been using it for a good 10 years now, and could not live without it.

Please no talk of Macrium.I am, as my mother would've said, Macrium'ed out.

loninappleton said:

If I do a clone migrate from a
working bootable SSD to another, will that cause a conflict when trying to open
one or the other as a D: drive?

It may. I've never tried it, but what you'll have is two boot partitions. I'm thinking the computer will boot from SATA 0 first and if no boot partition moves on. So if the computer boots for SATA 0 the other SSD will be left alone. Again, I'm not entirely sure.

If you clone as a backup then that backup SSD should nbot be in the computer at all and stored in a safe place for when you'll need it. I store all of my external drives, USB drives, optical media and other stuff in two fireproof safes. They're only about $35 a piece and SentrySafe does make them rated for electronics. Just keep in mind that these safes will not keep anyone out. The lock can be easily bypassed. You just want the fire and water protection should disaster strike.


I've used AOMEI Backupper many times before and it's what I use the clone my parent's computer. It's just a straight forward interface and works. Chose the target and destination and away you go. Use the align partition option with SSDs or NVMe. You don't need sector by sector. Make sure you create the Linux live disk on CD or USB so you have a means to clone back should you have to.

The cloning tool I use and have to use for my computer's is Clonezilla. This is another free cloning program and will be able to clone hard drives that are encrypted. It's not user friendly though. You need to know what options to use.

Thanks for the considered reply. I made that remark about Macrium because I thought it cumbersome. I printed out the manual. I still have it.



But as you say AOMEI shows in their adverts how to use it-- about four steps. I have a Clonezilla disk around on a live CD as well. And Acronis. As I recall the Clonezilla gave me some sort of not-understanding-the- nature- of- it's- bare Linux- screen. I go back to the Ghost program
all the time, but here with a couple of small SSD's I simply want to have an alternative and something specifically for this task.



With all the other backup programs I've often found a language problem. And I've never dealt with partitions, just whole disks. What would change me on that is if I could make two partitions and boot from
somewhere else on the HD to even out 'the wear'. As far as I know there's no solution to that.

One more thing on this. With old Norton Ghost, that is run from the DVD/CD drive. With the newer ones,
how have they gotten around 'the drive can't copy itself' issue with just a master and slave?

Success


AOMEI cloned an SSD to SSD and I tested the clone copy for a bootup.

I have marked the thread solved and will look at further use of it. Just for grins I may try it
with my boot SSD to the dud 320 and see of that fires up.