So I got a new 500 GB HD (actually 488 GB HD). My question here is, I already have my windows 7 setup on the 150 GB HD and I don’t want to do a clean install BUT just move the OS and my saved files etc to the new one WITHOUT having to format. Is it possible to do this? If yes, I would like to know the steps to follow, thanks for the help
Possible, yes.
Preferable? Maybe not. All you can do is try it and see if it works.
The two general methods would be cloning and imaging.
The image method would require you to make an "image file" of 1 or more partitions and save that file on another drive---typically external. And then "restore" that image file to the new hard drive.
A clone is a direct transfer in real time from the old drive to the new drive without an intervening image.
You can investigate tutorials on this site for greater detail.
But a screen shot of your Disk Management would help to visualize your current partition setup.
You say "saved files". Are these saved files on C?
Do you have an external drive or some other proper location to save an image file?
Hi Iggy :), thanks for the reply. let me tell you, i have never watched a video, read a tutorial or an article on cloning/imaging ever. im completely new to this, so please bear with me
if i tend to "try and see if it works" it is still important for me to keep a back up of my personal stuff right?Preferable? Maybe not. All you can do is try it and see if it works.
could you elaborate a little more? or i'll look at wiki for imaging and cloning of a HD.The two general methods would be cloning and imaging.
The image method would require you to make an "image file" of 1 or more partitions and save that file on another drive---typically external. And then "restore" that image file to the new hard drive.A clone is a direct transfer in real time from the old drive to the new drive without an intervening image.
i didn't look at any tutorial yet, google or here, but i will soon take a look at the ones from here. i don't wanna google cause, different links show different methods and in the end i am confusedYou can investigate tutorials on this site for greater detail.
in one of my other post Gregrocker had said that my system reserved is supposed to be partitioned normally as first one on the drive followed by the Windows C partition. so don't be surprisedBut a screen shot of your Disk Management would help to visualize your current partition setup.
I meant saved files as in my personal stuff on the other drives :)You say "saved files". Are these saved files on C?
we do have an external hard drive, i forgot.. it might be 70gb or something. (i'll confirm this later)Do you have an external drive or some other proper location to save an image file?
hmmm :)
Last edited by koolkat77; 06 Sep 2012 at 14:20.
Yes, you should keep backups of all personal data at all times--you can't assume your imaging or cloning will work.
Since you have an external drive of 70 GB, I would probably lean toward imaging rather than cloning. Imaging is more commonly done on these forums and there are more applications that will do it. You might have to buy a cloning application, but you shouldn't have to spend anything on an imaging application.
Windows 7 includes an imaging application. It works, but isn't very intuitive and is a bit fussy. I'd recommend you use Macrium Reflect Free Edition, a free download. The free version will image. If you wanted to clone, I think you would have to buy the paid version of Macrium.
Member WHS has a good tutorial on this site on how to use Macrium Reflect Free to make and restore an image. He may jump into this thread.
Looking at your Disk Management, I think I would just make an image of C and your system reserved partitions. Probably separately. An image file of each. WHS's tutorial may have more ideas on that---he may recommend that you include System Reserved and C in the same image, rather than in separate images? I'm not sure. I do use Macrium, but I don't use a System Reserved partition and therefore don't have to consider that question.
Back up the files in the other partitions in the standard manner--drag and drop without an image. And then just drag them back to the desired location after the new drive is up and running. You should also be able to just reconnect your old hard drive and drag personal files to the new drive if you choose to do it that way, rather than back them up to an external.
The size of your saved image file that you put on the external will be roughly half of the size of the occupied space on C---so you should have plenty of room.
After you restore the saved image file to the new drive, you should be able to resize the new C partition as needed. It probably won't be the size you prefer by default, but that's no problem.
After you have C up and running on the new drive, you can then use Disk Management to make new D, E, F, or whatever you want in your chosen sizes.
I wouldn't absolutely rule out cloning. Others may have ideas on it.
Bottom line: know what you will do if the imaging or cloning fails--you would have to reinstall Windows and all applications. Be sure all personal data is backed up independently.
Here is WHS's tutorial. Speak up about anything you don't understand:
Imaging with free Macrium
thanks for the information on "buy cloning software' & 'free imaging software'. I would prefer using a free software than having to spend more $$.Windows 7 includes an imaging application. It works, but isn't very intuitive and is a bit fussy. I'd recommend you use Macrium Reflect Free Edition, a free download. The free version will image. If you wanted to clone, I think you would have to buy the paid version of Macrium.
the software macrium: thanks to W7Forums, looking at some threads on here I already downloaded it :) so now i just got to install. It will take me some time and attention to read those tutorials, cause when i don't as natural it is, i end up screwing up rather than fixing. i'm planing to try it at the end of this week maybe, so when thursday comes i'll give it a go, in case i messed up i have friday as a weekend to sit and fix both the HDS
Yes it has the ability to do either an intelligent copy (Only used sectors and also drops things like the page file which are recreated automatically) or a sector by sector copy which of course is slower.
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