What software to use with SSD clone and for backup too? Many Choices!!

Kaktussoft said:

You want to install fresh to ssd? You know your win7 activation key? You know how to detach old drive from system (at least temporary)? You have now Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit accoording to system specs. You have an Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit installation DVD?

Please answer

I would go for the clean install myself. Heck..... I just did!:) No problems at all, simple and easy.....just the way I like it. Only had to install..... 3? maybe 4 drivers total.

LeftC said:

Kaktussoft said:

You want to install fresh to ssd?

If I can.

Kaktussoft said:

You know your win7 activation key?

Yes.

I can't get to the stock HD easily with this laptop. I'd have to remove the keyboard, palm rest, etc.

Without disabling the stock HD I can't do the clean install, I believe.

Kaktussoft said:

You have now Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit accoording to system specs.

Oops! It is actually 64bit. The specs that you saw was for an old computer that I used to use. I have changed the specs for the laptop that I would like to modify.

Kaktussoft said:

You have an Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit installation DVD?

Got the 64bit installation DVD as well as the 32bit. I am using the 64bit version.

So you have all the stuff needed!
Don't detach old HDD in your case, it's too difficult and not really neccesary. Boot from win7 install dvd and press shift_F10 on first window as shown here Command Prompt at Startup

Now mark the partition that's current active inactive Partition - Mark as Inactive
(you can mark it active if all fails)

Reboot again normally. It should fail because boot partition went inactive. That's just what you want. Boot again form win7 install DVD and install win7 on SSD

Report back when done. Check for windows updates and install them (most likely you have to connect wired instead of wireless). Reboot and check for updates again and again. Now check "device manager" for devices without drivers and post results.

Here are the drivers Drivers & Downloads | Dell United States (assuming it's the type you have)
You can also use Analyze System for Updates from there

LeftC said:

indianacarnie said:

I would go for the clean install myself. Heck..... I just did!:) No problems at all, simple and easy.....just the way I like it. Only had to install..... 3? maybe 4 drivers total.

Thanks! Simple and easy ... terrific!

Did you install succesfully? Post screenshot of "disk management" please

LeftC said:

With SyncToy, there are left and right folders. Can one be on one drive and the other folder on a different drive? What is SyncToy's true value? I'm a bit confused.

Yes, folders can be on different drives. What do you mean by "value"? Its an excellent program.