Cloning apps to handle SSDs?

DeaconFrost · 27 Sep 2011

I have a system that I'd like to clone to an SSD. The source disk is an HDD that is currently using two partitions. I'd like to just move the C partition to an SSD, but my only question is, what cloning apps would allow the SSD to be recognized properly, or would Windows 7 pick up the fact it is an SSD drive and adjust the OS accordingly, including enabling TRIM.

If it matters, the SATA controller is already set to AHCI, and the target drive is a Crucial C300.

Forgot to mention, I had been using Partition Wizard 7.0 (bootable iso) in the past, but never with an SSD.

aem · 27 Sep 2011

And the reason to get the OS onto the SSD is so you can boot it up to another machine?

I'm thinking you might need to make an iso of the image. But first maybe sysprep it?

DeaconFrost · 27 Sep 2011

No, it will be replacing the HDD as the boot disk. The HDD will then be used as storage. I think I'm actually leaning towards using the SSD in another system for now. I found Paragon software that would do it, but for $20, I'd just as soon as spend the two hours doing a clean install.

ignatzatsonic · 27 Sep 2011

I changed to an SSD about 6 months ago and considered making an image of my HDD and restoring it to the SSD. In the end, I did a fresh install---mostly because I could never convince myself that it might not eventually lead to a problem.

But I can't recall ever reading anything authoritative that led me to believe that ordinary third party imaging tools like Macrium, EaseUS, or Acronis would NOT work OK for the purpose.

Do you have any specific reason to believe they would not work?

Do you mean a true clone (real-time transfer from HDD to SSD without an intervening image) as opposed to making an image and then restoring it to the SSD?

I'd be interested in comments from anyone who has gone from HDD to SSD via clone or image.

aem · 27 Sep 2011

Kari's made a tut on doing a sysprep have you looked at that?. I would put the SSD into another machine and use it as a HDD just so you can clone it, rather than connecting it to the machine you wish to image.

DeaconFrost · 28 Sep 2011

There's no need to use Sysprep when it would be used in the same system that the OS is currently installed on. I also don't see why I would want to involve another computer to do a simple cloning operation. That's never been necessary before when going from HDD to HDD. I'm an I.T. Manager, so I'm very familiar with cloning and Sysprep. My questions are only revolving around the OS's autoconfig for an SSD drive.

linnemeyerhere · 28 Sep 2011

This program comes with some Crucial SSD's and it performs all the needed settings when transferring to the new SSD.
Highly recommended but you will need an adapter cable of some sort unless you order there kit.
EZ Gig IV Cloning Software with Data Select for Windows - Software - Products
I understand that the new Acronis will also handle this ISO as I'm sure other programs can as well but I can speak directly to the ease of the Apricorn......it's a cake walk !

arkhi · 28 Sep 2011

I didn't know complications exist between cloning an HHD to an SSD. I would have always assumed that you can simply image a drive to a .vhd and import said image to an SSD. I mean, wouldn't the OS recognize it immediately as an SSD anyway and apply the necessary operations for proper use?

DeaconFrost · 28 Sep 2011

That's the question. Based on the tutorial's listed here, I'm inclined to think no, unless you use something like Paragon that's specifically designed to do this. I'll probably end up trying it with Partition Wizard.

linnemeyerhere · 28 Sep 2011

arkhi,
I've heard sometimes luck can happen but the ideal way is either a clean install and data transfer or to use one of these latest generation imaging programs that take the SSD's particulars like trim and such into factor.