my harddrive letters has been changed after a hd change


  1. Posts : 4
    windows 7 64bit pro
       #1

    my harddrive letters has been changed after a hd change


    Hi newbie here
    I upgraded my ssd from 120gb to 240gb and something went wrong the win7 wont boot. In console mode in repair the c: shows up as g: and the dvd as x:. Boot sequence find all hds but on wrong letters and windows say that the system has no hds. I might have moved some sata cables to a new place does that matter? All things look good in the bios all hds show up and the boot disk and sequence is also ok. The system will boot from the win7 dvd but cannot do an auto repair. What to do?
    Best regards
    Fredrik
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #2

    Welcome to our forum fredrikbergquiz.

    Just exactly how did you get/install Windows 7 on the new SSD.

    Jack
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 4
    windows 7 64bit pro
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hi and thanks!
    I used a kit with a cable and a cd with software to copy the entire system from the old 120gb ssd to the 240gb ssd. That the new ssd didnt work was not surprising but the thing is that when I go back to the original ssd it doesnt boot and I havent done anything with it. I moved some sata cables around so the disks might be on different connectors on the motherboard than before. The 120gb ssd was very full, less than 1gb left.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #4

    Two things come to mind.

    1. Clone the old system to the new ssd.
    I use Marcium Reflect to do such things.
    Do keep in mind; when a drive is full things don't work correctly. Windows 7 needs elbow room to work properly. At least 10% free space.

    2. Do a Clean Install of Windows 7 on the new ssd with the old ssd unhooked.

    My choice would be to try the Clone first.

    Jack
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 4
    windows 7 64bit pro
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Hi
    Thanks for the advice!
    If I have to do nbr 2 can I use my old key and what will happen with the activation?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #6

    I have no idea what a (nbr 2) is.

    A Clone of a operating system that is put back on the system the Clone was made from should not have a problem with activation, as long as the original was activated properly.

    A Clean Install will have to have the proper matching COA key installed and verified by Microsoft.
    If that is done properly, activation should not be a problem.

    Jack
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 9,746
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit sp1
       #7

    fredrikbergquiz said:
    Hi and thanks!
    I used a kit with a cable and a cd with software to copy the entire system from the old 120gb ssd to the 240gb ssd. That the new ssd didnt work was not surprising but the thing is that when I go back to the original ssd it doesnt boot and I havent done anything with it. I moved some sata cables around so the disks might be on different connectors on the motherboard than before. The 120gb ssd was very full, less than 1gb left.
    If you wish to clone the existing SSD to the new one you wont have enough space on the old one to install Macrium Reflect which is needed to clone it to the new one. However, you might be able to copy a lot of your files on the old SSD to a USB thumb drive. Only copy your files do not copy installed software as it will not work unless it is actually reinstalled.

    You will need to free up about 2 or 3 GB if you can, this will allow enough room to install Macrium so you can use that to clone to the new SSD. Then download Macrium free, install it & go ahead with the clone after you have fitted the new SSD inside the computer & connected it up to the power supply & the motherboard.

    You will probably need to get into the BIOS to find the existing SSD so it can boot. This should be first or second in the boot order. Often the DVD drive is first & the OS drive is second.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #8

    Good catch Ranger.
    One does need enough room to install Macrium Reflect.

    I have never tried to use Macrium Reflect from a DVD but that is a thought.
    I'm thinking their shouldn't be a problem finding something on the old ssd to remove to make room for Macrium Reflect. Macrium Reflect is around 320 KB in size.

    Jack
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 4
    windows 7 64bit pro
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Hi
    Thanks for the good advice I will try them out in order. My bet is that a clean install will be required but I will try out the software you recommended first. Hope all the best for you!
    Fredrik
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 9,746
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit sp1
       #10

    Thanks for getting back. If you have any problems feel free to ask for help again.
      My Computer


 

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