Cloning Win7, programs, data to another HDD

kufloyd · 30 Jul 2014

I'm looking into purchasing a Lenovo T440s with a 500GB HDD. My plan is to separately purchase a 128GB SSD, swap the Win 7 OS/programs from the existing pre-loaded 500GB HDD over to the 128GB SSD and use the 500GB HDD (in an enclosure) as an external drive for storing data and use the SSD for faster program loading etc.

How doable is this...is there a straightforward process to it or is it fairly complicated? (for someone who does this kind of stuff only if I really need to :) )

Thanks!

michaelst · 30 Jul 2014

This software works like a charm: Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

ignatzatsonic · 30 Jul 2014

Your SSD may possibly come with cloning software that is at least worth a try.

If it fails, go with Macrium. You could use Macrium to clone from drive 1 to drive 2; or to make an image of drive 1 and restore the image to drive 2. Cloning and imaging are different procedures. Either can work or fail. Be prepared to do a clean install from scratch if it comes to that.

Mark Phelps · 30 Jul 2014

How doable is this...is there a straightforward process to it or is it fairly complicated?

Your thread title indicates you want a simple process to clone ONLY the Win7 (OS), applications, and data from a 500GB HDD to a 128GB SSD.

If the space you use on the 500GB is less than 128GB, then using MR to image off the partition, inserting the SSD, and restoring that partition to the SSD will work. I know for a fact, because I did this myself and am now running off an SSD.

But, if the space you use on the 500GB is MORE than 128GB, it's an entirely different matter because you can not "clone" a partition to a space smaller than that required to hold the contents of that partition.

There are a couple of ways to address this second problem. The first is, you migrate data files out of the partition on the HDD you want to clone to an external drive or USB stick, and when done, shrink the partition to less than 128GB. This is what I did.

The second, is you purchase a tool that will allow you to ignore certain file types when "migrating" to the SSD. The one that comes to mind is Paragon Migrate OS to SSD. You can read more about this at the link: Paragon Migrate OS to SSD - System migration to Solid State Drives (SSD) - Overview

BJB · 31 Jul 2014

The main Issue I would want to clarify before going ahead with this would be whether swapping the HDD for an SSD would affect the new machine's warranty? But I'd also question the practicality of having your only data drive permanently tethered by USB. Such connections are easily disturbed and aren't at all practical if you need to have the laptop with you on your travels. Data transfer speeds by USB are also likely to be substantially below those of a SATA2 or SATA3 connection.

The basic idea of SSD for system and HDD for data works great but I wouldn't be starting out by converting a laptop, especially one as expensive as the T440s. A tower would be my preference, where SSD and HDD can both be accommodated internally and my desk left uncluttered.

kufloyd · 31 Jul 2014

Thanks all for your replies. I think I will hold off on doing this kind of swap for now but will keep the Macrium software in mind if I have to do it.

RogerR · 31 Jul 2014

ignatzatsonic said:

Your SSD may possibly come with cloning software that is at least worth a try.

This. I bought a Samsung Evo and the supplied software was painless and error-free. I cloned my boot drive.