Boot OS is on 128GB SSD need to relocate to 256GB SSD same computer

I have 128GB SSD as boot drive C:/ This drive continues to be a nuisance, because I cannot get all new installs to use custom locations I request. The SSD drive contains the boot and registry and is drive is full.

I bought another 256GB SSD to replace it. I plan for the 256GB drive to be boot drive of C: after I install it.

Maybe some type of clone or image of the 128GB SSD is the answer to this. There should be no problem with the OS, as the OS is registered to this computer.

My concern... I have two additional drives on the system where the 128GB SSD resides. The amount of applications and files is over 2.6 TB. The registry is a principal concern, since it is currently residing on the 128GB SSD drive. Just moving the contents of the 128GB SSD drive to another folder doesn't look to be a best way to do this. I don't plan to alter or change the current HDD arrangement, in order for registry pointers to be intact when I reinstall the OS.

I have never done a clone or image process, but it would seem this could be a solution. Reinstalling all the applications that are on the additional HDD will take a lot of time. I say reinstall, because if I cannot somehow get the registry right in this process I will have to reinstall the applications.

Yes, I am guessing I could make a clone or image of the 128GB SSD and store it on one of the HDD and then recover it by some method onto the new 256GB SSD drive. It is a sort of exact duplicate with more space. I have never done a clone or image rework like this. I am reluctant to just jump into this, because not getting it just right could be a disaster. "murphy's law"

This may seem abit long winded. Basically, I want to move my system on C: drive with registry to a larger SSD, which will become the system C: drive and have it all work as it does now with registry intact and the extra space of the larger SSD available.

OH... I should mention. I just bought the CruciaL 256GB SSD and it is unboxed. It may be that I should acquire a larger SSD I can do that without a problem now. I am open to suggestions on this.

No, I do not plan to reinstall the 128GB SSD on this computer. I plan to move to another computer, wipe it clean reinstall another OS on it.

I would do a Clean Install Windows 7 to the new SSD with all other HD's unplugged as always should be done when installing an OS.

There are other options here for SSD - Install and transfer the Operating System

Gregrocker

I can understand a clean install, but I have so many applications and files on the additional drives that will have to be reinstalled. MSFT Office alone can take hours to run, and then I have to restore all the files. The MSFT outlook for a new install was a huge problem when I installed the first 128GB SSD. I never got the outlook data files back into the same structure. Basically, I just worked around.

I was hoping use the registry on the SSD drive. Since I am using the exact same OS, with same product ID, and mac address from the same computer I was thinking a proper clone or image would just be writing directly to the new SSD and having extra space on it. I could be wrong of course, since I don't know how the disk sectors,etc. might be structured with different size SSD drives. I also recall reading something about sync of the drive, etc.

Crucial support said I should use Acronis True Image HD. I am not countering what you suggest by any means. In fact, the Acronis software is $30 and I'm not sure I'll ever use it again.

It is a bit annoying to think the Crucial solution is not adequate like it is with other SSD mfgrs.

I appreciate your posting.

If you have any WD or Seagate HD's onboard then you can use free premium Acronis imaging/cloning app. WD Acronis free cloning app
Seagate Acronis cloning free util

Otherwise you can use free Macrium of the $19.95 Paragon App Wolfgang linked which specializes for an SSD.

In addition you have Wolfgang to help you with your choice, who is one of the top experts for this.