Confused about transferring Windows 7 from HDD to SSD

Hi. I have spent about a week reading around the internet on the best ways to transfer my operating system and program files from my 1 TB HDD to a Samsung 830 128 GB SSD. Some people are saying that I have to create a disk image and then transfer it from there? I also read that you can just plug the SSD into a sata port, insert the windows 7 disk, and simply install it from there? Is there a program that can easily transfer the OS to another drive? I am not extremely tech savvy when it comes to this, so I was wondering what would be the best route to take.

Take a look at this SF Tutorial.

SSD - Install and Transfer the Operating System

I recently bought a SSD and transferred the OS + programs using Acronis.
No problems here.

hope this helps,
David

Bobmal said:

Is there a program that can easily transfer the OS to another drive?

Yes:

Paragon Migrate OS to SSD - System migration to Solid State Drives (SSD) - Overview

Cost $20.

You can do it without that program if you are enough of a techno-geek:

SSD - Install and Transfer the Operating System

I have used the Paragon Migrate OS to SSD program and it does a great job. Well worth the $20 IMHO.

Thanks guys I'll definitely try out the Paragon software :)

Partition Wizard lists alignment as one of the included features for the free version:
Best Free Partition Manager Freeware and free partition magic for Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista and Windows XP 32 bit & 64 bit. MiniTool Free Partition Manager Software Home Edition.

However, I still prefer to do a clean install. With a little planning, you should be able to do the entire process in under 2 hours.