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Various SSD dual-boot questions
Finally purchased an SSD with the intent to dual-boot this drive for separation of business and personal. As I really like Win7 I've decided to simply install it, along with all updates to it and hardware, on one partition. Will also install any apps that will be common to both partitions. When completed I intend to clone this and apply to second partition. I've created a common partition to accept files used by both partitions such as PST file and etc. A few questions I have are:
1. This is my first time installing an SSD so based on the attached photo (ssd_drive.png) it shows a "System Reserved" partition. Now I'm use to a drive reserving space for these required files but on all previous HD installs this file in usually hidden from the drive view of "My Computer". Just seems odd that it's accessible; when opened no contents are visible. Is this normal for SSd's or did I do something unusual on install?
2. I have currently installed the OS and common apps on the "SSD General" partition and am looking to clone this to the "SSD Trade" partition. Since the "System Reserved" partition has thrown me for a loop I figured I'd ask if the current partitions and partition types will be fine for my intentions? (see attached images)
3. Been a long time since dual-booting (win98/xp) so might as well ask as I have your attention -- Am I correct in believing cloning would be the best route to take? Will it be possible to clone directly from one partition to the other on the same SSD? Hoping to use Acronis Imaging from WD if compatible.
Any insight to assure this upgrade finishes smoothly would be greatly appreciated.