Migrating Data to D: and then cloning OS from C: to new SSD

gregrocker · 08 Mar 2015

I would personally replace the drive as it isn't really trustworthy after all that. But if you want to try to continue repairing it then run the actual maker's extended scan from boot disk (for best results) until it comes back clean, same with Disk Check. Then be sure to keep it backed up if you get it installed, which may require doing the Clean Reinstall Windows 7.
I'd at least see if that will install. Remember that if you stick with the steps in the blue link you'll get and keep a perfect install for as long as you do.

mackado · 08 Mar 2015

Gregrocker, I did the LONG Seagate test already from boot disk, it fixed many errors and then reported "Pass" after the software re-checks..I'm trying to replace this Seagate HDD, the new SSD is installed on Different Sata port already, it's just that I can't get to migrate the Win7 OS to the SSD to get rid of the Seagate...

My Data is on a Different internal drive (D:\) with additional external backup.

If I do a clean WIN7 install (To new SSD) I need to figure out how to use my second drive for Data only....I'll check again, but I don't think your link mentiones how to do that..

whs · 08 Mar 2015

I think you are complicating the matter. Given the poor state of your HDD a clean install on the SSD would be your best option .

For your data it is simple. Create new folders for Documents, Pictures, Music and Videos on you good 1TB drive (call them Documents 2, Music 2, etc) and move or copy the corresponding data there. Once your SSD is up and running, right click on those new folders and INCLUDE them into the appropriate library.

And don't forget to also save your Favorites and mail files (if any). Also run the Belarc Advisor in case you have any paid programs. It will save your product keys and a lot more info about your system. Keep all that on your good disk or a flash drive.

gregrocker · 08 Mar 2015

It also explains how to set up a separate data partition or drive in Step 9 of Clean Reinstall Windows 7

mackado · 08 Mar 2015

Thanks WHS for the advice, looks like a fresh install is what I need to do after all, ... never thought a simple error could throw off the migration software..I just looked into this SMART errors and there is no way to get around them it seems....

mackado · 08 Mar 2015

Thanks again Gregrocker I will start setting up tomorrow, not looking forward to re installing and reconfiguring all my software back to my liking...last time it took me weeks trouble shooting and so on.....

whs · 08 Mar 2015

I think it is good that the migration programs refuse to work from shaky grounds. After all you do not want to end up with a corrupted installation.

Btw - when I reinstall, I do not try to do everything asap. Many programs that I use only once in a while I will install when needed. The real pain are all the updates.

mackado · 08 Mar 2015

WHS, I did a W7 re-install[Over same version] here a couple of weeks back thinking it was a software issue after chkdsk came back clean [was having explorer.exe crashes], MS upgrades lasted for like a day, many fail/re-install etc......

Reconfiguring the software is not that difficult, it's just that it takes to much of my time, I hate to do all that work, just to end up exactly where I was before! LOL

whs · 08 Mar 2015

Understand, but you don't want to migrate a system from a wacky disk either. It is good that the migration programs run by high standards.

gregrocker · 08 Mar 2015

In addition this time follow closely the steps in Clean Reinstall Windows 7 which has been used by over 1.2 million consumers without a single complaint or return here with problems by those who stick with its tools and methods.