Migrate Win7 system to a larger SSD

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  1. Posts : 5
    Windows 7
       #1

    Migrate Win7 system to a larger SSD


    I've got a Lenovo laptop running Win7. The laptop came with a 128GB SSD which is great, but I'm running out of space for software. I've bought a 250GB SSD and I want to upgrade.

    I run my small business off this machine, and all software is set up 'just right,' so starting from scratch and reinstalling programs is the last resort. A system breakdown/data loss would be even worse

    I have lots of spare HDDs and SATA docks and USB sticks that I can use to copy data. I just don't know how to deal with Master Boot Records or whatever

    Here's my idea, will this work?

    1) Boot the 128GB system
    2) Plug in the 250GB SSD into a SATA/USB dock
    3) Use Minitool Partition Wizard to copy the Win7 partitions (including the 100MB 'system' partition) to the 250GB SSD
    4) physically remove the 128GB ssd and replace with the 250GB ssd
    5) boot up from teh 250GB ssd
    6) Use Minitool Partition Wizard to expand the 128GB partition to fill the entire 250GB SDD


    All replies appreciated
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 8,135
    Windows 10 64 bit
       #2

    Easiest way (and how I did it when I converted to SSD) is to use Macrium Reflect and make a disc Image (NOT Clone) of the entire disc, all partitions. Restore that image to the new SSD.

    Macrium Software
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 5
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #3

    fireberd said:
    Easiest way (and how I did it when I converted to SSD) is to use Macrium Reflect and make a disc Image (NOT Clone) of the entire disc, all partitions. Restore that image to the new SSD.

    Macrium Software
    Ok
    something like this?

    1) Boot the 128GB system
    2) Plug in the 250GB SSD into a SATA/USB dock
    3) Use Macrium Reflect to make a disk image of the 128GB ssd with all partitions
    4) Restore image to the 250GB ssd
    5) physically remove the 128GB ssd and replace with the 250GB ssd
    6) boot up from the 250GB ssd
    7) Use Minitool Partition Wizard to expand the 128GB partition to fill the entire 250GB SDD
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #4

    squirrel123 said:
    fireberd said:
    Easiest way (and how I did it when I converted to SSD) is to use Macrium Reflect and make a disc Image (NOT Clone) of the entire disc, all partitions. Restore that image to the new SSD.

    Macrium Software
    Ok
    something like this?

    1) Boot the 128GB system
    2) Plug in the 250GB SSD into a SATA/USB dock
    3) Use Macrium Reflect to make a disk image of the 128GB ssd with all partitions
    4) Restore image to the 250GB ssd
    5) physically remove the 128GB ssd and replace with the 250GB ssd
    6) boot up from the 250GB ssd
    7) Use Minitool Partition Wizard to expand the 128GB partition to fill the entire 250GB SDD
    That would likely work. You might consider avoiding the dock in case it causes complications.

    You need somewhere to store that image file. I assume you have an external you can use for that purpose.

    You may not need to include "all partitions" in the image file, depending on your setup. Data can just be copied manually, without reliance on Macrium.

    You should make Macrium recovery media so you can recover in those instances where you have a defective drive.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 8,135
    Windows 10 64 bit
       #5

    I didn't have to expand the partition. You only need to do that if "Clone", and you are using Disc Image to "backup" the entire drive (all partitions) to some external media. You "restore" from the external media to the new SSD.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #6

    ignatzatsonic said:
    You might consider avoiding the dock in case it causes complications.
    what would you suggest as an alternative?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #7

    squirrel123 said:
    ignatzatsonic said:
    You might consider avoiding the dock in case it causes complications.
    what would you suggest as an alternative?
    Make the image of the 128, storing it on an external drive, not the dock.

    Remove the 128. Install the 250 in it's place. I assume the laptop cannot accommodate 2 internals.

    Boot from Macrium recovery media and restore from the external to the 250.

    Either method could work or fail. It's just an alternative.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 5
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #8

    ignatzatsonic said:
    squirrel123 said:
    ignatzatsonic said:
    You might consider avoiding the dock in case it causes complications.
    what would you suggest as an alternative?
    Make the image of the 128, storing it on an external drive, not the dock.

    Remove the 128. Install the 250 in it's place. I assume the laptop cannot accommodate 2 internals.

    Boot from Macrium recovery media and restore from the external to the 250.

    Either method could work or fail. It's just an alternative.
    by Macrium recovery media I assume you mean the image that I made of the 128.
    Thanks
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #9

    No, you have to create a Macrium Recovery cd, that`s what you will boot from to put the image on the new ssd.

    Open Macrium and up top you`ll see Other Tasks, click that and you`ll see Create Rescue Media
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Migrate Win7 system to a larger SSD-capture.jpg  
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 5
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #10

    AddRAM said:
    No, you have to create a Macrium Recovery cd, that`s what you will boot from to put the image on the new ssd.

    Open Macrium and up top you`ll see Other Tasks, click that and you`ll see Create Rescue Media
    cool thanks!
      My Computer


 
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