D: drive SSD upgrade problems...

Windows 7 x64 Ultimate is installed on my C: drive SSD (Samsung 850 Pro 512GB) and I've redirected the user folders to my D: drive SSD (Samsung 830 256GB.) I also have a Program Files / Program Files (x86) directory on both the C: and D: drives. I've attempted to upgrade the D: drive SSD to a larger unit (another Samsung 850 Pro 512GB).

First, I used used EaseUs to clone the 830 to the 850 instructing it to expand the partition to use all of the additional 256GB that is available on the new 850. The directory listing of the 850 appeared to show that the clone worked, however I have trouble when I remove the 830 for the 850. Windows will load/run, I can log in but then: certain desktop icons revert to the default icon, I cannot open Windows Explorer - a failure message, and the MS Office repair/installer starts - MS Outlook is set to start when I log in. If put the old 830 back in the system as the D: drive, Windows will function just fine.

Second, I tried the clone using CloneZilla. The cloning appeared to work and when I remove the 830 for the 850, Windows will function fine. HOWEVER, probably due to a setting I missed, only 256GB of the 850 was used for the new partition and, even though Windows reported that the 850 had 512GB, the remaining 256GB became inaccessible no matter what utility I tried to use to expand the new partition to 512GB.

Lastly, I put the old 830 back in the system as the D: drive again and then attached the new 850 as another drive. At this point, I could use EaseUs to expand the 256GB partition to the full 512GB on the 850. But if I swap out the 830 for the 850, I have the set of problems - again - I describe at first above.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on why changing the size of the new 850 D: drive seems to (?) cause file system issues with that drive.

Sorry for the long narrative.

Thanks for any help/ideas.

Either I over thought, under thought or didn't think at all...

I simply copied (not cloned) everything from the old 830 D: drive to the new 850 (which happened to be) K: drive. Removed the 830 and placed the 850 on that SATA connection. Had the problems described above. Was able to get to Disk Management through MMC. Changed the 850 from K: to D: since no D: was found. Rebooted. Had to run Repair on Microsoft Office. Everything now appears to work fine.

I'm sure this was not the best way to do this specific upgrade, but I accomplished what I wanted.

*Maybe* this will help someone else. Still wouldn't mind hear about a better way.

Thanks