Restoring an image from HDD to new SSD

So I recently bought an SSD which I need to RMA. I was able to create an image (using Win 7's built in tool) of the SSD which I restored to a HDD, no problems at all. When I get the RMA'ed SSD back, rather than a full re-install, I'd like to do the opposite...image the HDD and restore to the SSD.

My question is this: Do I need to do any special to create and align the partition of the re-installed SSD? My original install of Win 7 was on the SSD, and I've read that the OS is smart enough to set the proper partition alignment during install. But I'm not clear if it does automatically aligns the SSD's partition during an image restore. Thoughts?

Can you use the image you made of the SSD and successfully imaged to the HD to also reimage the replacement SSD?

Not sure until I receive the RMA'd SSD drive. Like I said, SDD > HDD reimage was easy.

Here's my ultimate question: Will Win 7 automatically adjust my partition offset to 1024 (suitable for SSDs) when I reimage my drive back from the HDD to SDD?

FYI, I did several tests with DISKPART and the Win 7 image restore overrode it. So that's why I'm skeptical that I can go from HDD > SSD easily and seamlessly.

My tests revealed that the image controls the future partition. But that doesn't sit well with me.

Bottom line is that I don't want to reinstall. I would like to preserve my current Windows installation. Thoughts?

Grinch80 said:

I'm skeptical that I can go from HDD > SSD easily and seamlessly.

Click to expand...

As am I, due to alignment issues, which is why I suggest using original image SSD>SSD to have the best chance.

Keep us posted. Someone should know for sure.

I agree. Using the original Image from the SSD is best and would be my suggestion as well.

If you choose not to, in order to help avoid alignment issues, You will need to make a full disk Image. Not just partitons.

Just Image the Entire disk as is.

Unless Win7s imaging works differently, most will attempt to re-align if you restore just a partition and this is where troubles occur going from HD-->SSD

But, I am only really familiar with Acronis so Im really unsure how Win7s handles all of this.

You can get the full sector image in free Macrium Reflect, I believe, as well as free Paragon Backup & Recovery.

The option doesn't appear in Win7 backup imaging.

Thanks Gregrocker, my thoughts exactly. I'll check it out.

Wishmaster said:

I agree. Using the original Image from the SSD is best and would be my suggestion as well.

If you choose not to, in order to help avoid alignment issues, You will need to make a full disk Image. Not just partitons.

Just Image the Entire disk as is.

Unless Win7s imaging works differently, most will attempt to re-align if you restore just a partition and this is where troubles occur going from HD-->SSD

But, I am only really familiar with Acronis so Im really unsure how Win7s handles all of this.

Click to expand...

Thanks Wish, let me mull on this a bit but I think your reasoning is sound.

Grinch,
What is the size, ie, gigabytes of your IDE and your SSD?

My recommendation will be influenced by your answer.

I have done what you desire to do a couple of times.

karlsnooks said:

Grinch,
What is the size, ie, gigabytes of your IDE and your SSD?

My recommendation will be influenced by your answer.

I have done what you desire to do a couple of times.

Click to expand...

Karl, I'll be going from smaller (HDD) to bigger (SSD).

Grinch,

A piece of cake then.

First, make yourself a System Repair Disk.

2nd, Use Windows 7 Backup & Restore to make a system image. Be sure to include all of the drives. I'll check but I think the tutorial we have on this covers this point.
Remember you are backing up to an external USB drive.

Insert the System Repair Disc.

Shutdown your computer.

IF a) your computer is not set to boot first from CD/DVD OR you can not one-time boot first from CD/DVD by using F12 to change the boot order,
THEN
During PowerUp, hit F2 to get into the bios to change boot order to boot first from CD/DVD.
.
Shutdown your computer.

Remove the old drive.

Install the new drive.

Powerup and bootup to the CD/DVD.

Choose to restore from a system image and select the system image you made.

After the restore and Win 7 running again, you may be asked to activate again. No problem. I've never had to call MS. Just had to go thru the activation procedure again.

Here are some notes I have on the procedure.

________________________________________
CREATE A SYSTEM REPAIR DISC
START | type System Repair | Enter key | Create Disc button
________________________________________
________________________________________
CREATE AND RESTORE A SYSTEM IMAGE
CREATE A SYSTEM IMAGE BACKUP
• START | type Backup your computer | Enter key
• In left-hand pane, select Create a System Image
• select where you want to save the backup | Next
• Select the drives you want to backup | Next
• Start Backup button
• Finish button after completion


RESTORE A SYSTEM IMAGE BACKUP
• Boot from the System Repair CD you created.
• Connect the external drive with the backup image
• NEXT button (change language if desired)
• Restore your computer using a system image
that you created earlier radio button
• NEXT button
• Use the latest available system image radio button
• NEXT button
• Format and repartition discs checkbox
• NEXT button
• FINISH button
• YES button
________________________________________
________________________________________
CLONE A DISK
Yes, you can use the Create & Restore steps listed above when you want to replace your hard disk with one of same or larger size.
________________________________________



http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html

Thanks for the guide Karlsnooks, great stuff.

I've been researching SSD alignment...Do you know if the image restore process will default to the alignment on the source HDD image, or if it will automatically create a new partition with the proper alignment to suit the SSD? I know the Win 7 install (fresh) automatically sets the proper alignment, I'm just not clear if the image restore process does.

FYI, I'm comfortable with using Diskpart to manually partition/format the new SSD, then initiate the restore process, but I've got a feeling it just won't matter and the current alignment on the source HDD image will override anything I do.

Can you verify?

Grinch,
In the words of that ancient philosopher--Thou shallt sweat it not.

All will happen correctly.

karlsnooks said:

...All will happen correctly.

Click to expand...

I agree with Karl. Even if it doesn't, what have you got to lose?