Solved Need to clone HDD to SSd

[RvB Vakama]

Hi, I just bought a ssd and would like to use it to replace my hdd. I deleted 1.5tb the other day so its down to 403gb ish and the ssd is 490gb. Now due to insufficient cables inside my PC I can't wire up all 3 disks at a time so I am wondering what software is best to clone my hdd disk contents onto the ssd from a live linux usb.
Thanks for any replies

 

[RolandJS]

Macrium Reflect and Image for Windows are just two of many free and pay-for backup/restore programs available. Both can do cloning, full imaging, [and this might only exist within the pay-for version:] folder/file backup.

 

[Taplice]

There are some really powerful cloning tools, i have used the free version of Todo Backup, it’s quite user friendly with an excellent GUI. Macrium Reflect is also a good choice.

 

[mjf]

I'd make an image using Macrium to an external HDD. Disconnect all other drives and connect your SSD to Port 0 and reimage.
BUT Make sure you have made the Macrium restore pe CD before hand and that you can boot from this CD/DVD.
The worst that can happen is it doesn't work (I don't think so) then reconnect your other drives and you are back to your starting point.

 

[RvB Vakama]

As I said in my question the application needs to be able to run from a Linux live usb, all the above programs are for windows :/

 

[mjf]

Get a CD/DVD or another USB and forget the linux boot USB in order to solve your problem. Then follow the suggestions you have been given. If you are going to use the very reliable Macrium software then create the appropriate boot CD/DVD/USB.

 

[RvB Vakama]

Get a CD/DVD or another USB and forget the linux boot USB in order to solve your problem. Then follow the suggestions you have been given. If you are going to use the very reliable Macrium software then create the appropriate boot CD/DVD/USB.

you are saying i should create a live windows 7 usb?
last time i did that it took all day

 

[mjf]

Get a CD/DVD or another USB and forget the linux boot USB in order to solve your problem. Then follow the suggestions you have been given. If you are going to use the very reliable Macrium software then create the appropriate boot CD/DVD/USB.

you are saying i should create a live windows 7 usb?
last time i did that it took all day

I don't know what you are talking about. Install Macrium and create the restore pe disk. Macrium holds your hand but requires some download on the order of 500MB from memory.

 

[RvB Vakama]

Get a CD/DVD or another USB and forget the linux boot USB in order to solve your problem. Then follow the suggestions you have been given. If you are going to use the very reliable Macrium software then create the appropriate boot CD/DVD/USB.

you are saying i should create a live windows 7 usb?
last time i did that it took all day

I don't know what you are talking about. Install Macrium and create the restore pe disk. Macrium holds your hand but requires some download on the order of 500MB from memory.

yes if I use macrium I need windows on a usb to boot from because the 2 drives that will be in my PC will have no OS installed on either. That is why I said last time I created a live windows install it took forever and I'd just rather use a tiny linux live usb with a simple program to clone my disk.

 

[mjf]

Am I missing something.
The restore pe CD/DVD/USB is an operating system in its own right independent of Windows. If you like it's a mini Windows OS designed for a specific purpose. It isn't a "live" Windows OS.

In the normal boot process you use whatever BIOS command to choose the boot device and select the restore pe device.

 

[Layback Bear]

Simple.

RvB Vakama you are trying to make it harder than it is.


1. Install the hard drive you want to make a clone of.
2. Install the SSD you want to clone to.
3. Boot the PC.
4. Then use Macrium to do the clone.

**Now you don't need a Macrium restore pe CD to do clones.
But I suggest making one anyway. So when you do want to do images you will have it.


This should help you.

 

[RvB Vakama]

Am I missing something.
The restore pe CD/DVD/USB is an operating system in its own right independent of Windows. If you like it's a mini Windows OS designed for a specific purpose. It isn't a "live" Windows OS.

In the normal boot process you use whatever BIOS command to choose the boot device and select the restore pe device.

oh I am sorry for not understanding it was its own environment, all the videos and pages I looked up about it showed it as a program running in windows 10 and such.

Rescue a system with the Windows PE environment

that link showed me what I was missing
THANKS

 

[Layback Bear]

Another helpful video.

 

[RvB Vakama]

I just read a ton of stuff regarding macrium and it seems I will need to purchase the full version to be able to clone and then deploy

 

[Layback Bear]

I just read a ton of stuff regarding macrium and it seems I will need to purchase the full version to be able to clone and then deploy

I have no idea where you are getting your information but it is wrong information.

I clone all the time and I use Macrium Reflect FREE.
I make images time to time and I use Macrium Reflect FREE.

I clone one SSD to another SSD in about 6 minutes. I can make a image in about the same time
using Macrium Reflect FREE.

Take you time and read and understand the post in your thread and watch both videos.

Now take you time and apply yourself. YOU can do it. Millions of people use Macrium Reflect FREE.

 

[RvB Vakama]

I just read a ton of stuff regarding macrium and it seems I will need to purchase the full version to be able to clone and then deploy

I have no idea where you are getting your information but it is wrong information.

I clone all the time and I use Macrium Reflect FREE.
I make images time to time and I use Macrium Reflect FREE.

I clone one SSD to another SSD in about 6 minutes. I can make a image in about the same time
using Macrium Reflect FREE.

Take you time and read and understand the post in your thread and watch both videos.

Now take you time and apply yourself. YOU can do it. Millions of people use Macrium Reflect FREE.

Okay but actually I've read after using macrium to clone to any disk the destination disk loses write speed over time. if that is the case I'd rather just reinstall all my programs.

 

[mjf]

Okay but actually I've read after using macrium to clone to any disk the destination disk loses write speed over time. if that is the case I'd rather just reinstall all my programs.

Where did you get that from?

I have moved 3 PCs from HDDs to SSDs using Macrium (free version) using imaging rather than cloning.
Maybe people think cloning is going to give me the absolute replica which is the best option - that's not true unless you are doing forensic work.

If you want to clone then fine - Macrium makes it easy. But you need to have the cloned from and cloned to drive connected. Make sure what you are cloning from and cloning to.

Check that your SSD is aligned. Free Partition Wizard will check and align it if necessary. See the free program list.

 

[RvB Vakama]

Okay but actually I've read after using macrium to clone to any disk the destination disk loses write speed over time. if that is the case I'd rather just reinstall all my programs.

Where did you get that from?

I have moved 3 PCs from HDDs to SSDs using Macrium (free version) using imaging rather than cloning.
Maybe people think cloning is going to give me the absolute replica which is the best option - that's not true unless you are doing forensic work.

If you want to clone then fine - Macrium makes it easy. But you need to have the cloned from and cloned to drive connected. Make sure what you are cloning from and cloning to.

Check that your SSD is aligned. Free Partition Wizard will check and align it if necessary. See the free program list.

thanks for the reply
just have to find a tutorial to get macrium PE onto a usb

 

[RolandJS]

Layback Bear earlier posted:
1. Install the hard drive you want to make a clone of.
2. Install the SSD you want to clone to.

Allow me to add something:
1. Install the hard drive you want to make a clone of. Make sure it is labeled something like "OldHD"
2. Install the SSD you want to clone to. Make sure it is labeled something like "NewSSD"
The reason I bring that up is that you want to make absolutely sure you are cloning from the original "old" hard-drive onto the SSD, the "new" hard-drive. USB or DVD boots often "shuffle" the drive letters, what you see may not be the normal lettering you are used to seeing during your normal Windows boot and load.

 

[Layback Bear]

Very good point RolandJS.

Some times programs do juggle the listing of drives around.
I give my drives and partition Names so I can tell them from one and another no matter what program I'm using to see them.