Copy hard drive image to new solid state

[CelestialScribe]

Maybe this is a really stupid question, but here goes.

I have three hard drives, and one is dedicated to my operating system. I would to copy that entire hard drive onto a new solid state drive to make it run faster.

Because I have so many programs and settings all figured out, I'd love to just basically copy the whole drive over, exactly how it is now. As I understand, I need to create a disc image in order to do this.

Is this possible? Am I able to basically swap the hard drives, and use a disc image to basically make the computer think it's the exact same hard drive? Can something like this be done?

Apologise for my ignorance, I'm not up to speed with disc images and I'm not sure how they work.

Thanks for your time!

 

[Maguscreed]

acronis disk manager suite, can do this.
You may have issues with the bootmgr afterwards, but it'll do a bit by bit duplication of any partition onto another. ....it's a slow process but it's worked for me several times in the past.

 

[CelestialScribe]

I had a like at the website. Is this what it means by "clone disc to a replacement HDD"?

And why would I have trouble with bootmgr?

 

[Maguscreed]

device number and partition are subject to change depending on bios. If you plug it into the exact same sata as the source drive you should be fine.

 

[nitroman84]

I had a like at the website. Is this what it means by "clone disc to a replacement HDD"?

And why would I have trouble with bootmgr?

In personal use I have not came across a non booting image with Acronis. This is not to say that it couldn't happen, but I'm talking along the lines of more than 20 times re imaging a HDD with zero issues.

 

[CelestialScribe]

Great! thanks for the help

So all I do is just plug in the new hard drive, and transfer everything over using the software?

 

[mjf]

You may also want to have a look at
Paragon Migrate OS to SSD - Overview

 

[nitroman84]

Here are a couple of screen shots, just follow the on screen options and everything will be fine. Post back If you need any more help.

 

[CelestialScribe]

You may also want to have a look at
Paragon Migrate OS to SSD - Overview

Wow, this is exactly what I'm looking for! Thanks so much!

So this will just basically clone my drive and everything will (or should) be the same as before?

 

[mjf]

I haven't personally used it. I'm suggesting it may be worth exploring if you believe what they say. I know someone on the forum tried a package like this and it went like a "turn key" - but I can't remember who.

Edit: Here you go I know someone had good success with it
http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/135915-installing-new-ssd-5.html