Solved Clean install vs. cloning

[UnknownReverent]

I just ordered a SSD and I was wondering if cloning will reduce performance compared to a clean install. I was leaning towards the clean install anyways, but it's going to be a pain to get everything back. I have quite a few games, but they're going to be on my HDD anyways. I was just curious if there's really any difference in speed and performance if you clone instead of clean install. This is my very first SSD as well.

Also, for clean install all I have to do is make sure it's AHCI and install the OS correct? It will automatically turn on TRIM and turn off defrag for that drive in Windows 7, I'm assuming.

 

[Evil Nemesis]

if you're on same hardware configuration then I think cloning won't hurt

 

[whs]

This would require some further investigation. If you have to move the games to the HDD, then those games have to be reinstalled anyhow.

In general terms, a clean install is always preferable. But if you want to move your OS (less games), have a look at this: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/149969-ssd-install-transfer-operating-system.html

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I was wondering if cloning will reduce performance compared to a clean install.....................


Also, for clean install all I have to do is make sure it's AHCI and install the OS correct? It will automatically turn on TRIM and turn off defrag for that drive in Windows 7, I'm assuming.

The possible problem with cloning isn't reduced performance. Not sure I ever heard of such a case.

The possible problem is that the clone doesn't go well in some other sense, such as not booting. You may be able to troubleshoot or do it over or otherwise recover from the problem, but that takes time and is frustrating.

You have to weigh the possibility of extra time and frustration against the known quantity of a clean install. If cloning has a 5% chance of annoying you, maybe you take the chance because it would save you some config time if successful. If it has a 40% chance of annoying you, maybe you don't. Similar to imaging in that sense---who would use images if the failure rate was 40%?

You can check after the fact that TRIM and other settings are up to snuff. The main thing is to disconnect other hard drives before you begin.

 

[Anthony]

Also, for clean install all I have to do is make sure it's AHCI and install the OS correct? It will automatically turn on TRIM and turn off defrag for that drive in Windows 7, I'm assuming.

Do a Clean Install less problematic, Correct AHCI needs to be set. Trim should be enabled as default but worth check after install, If I remember correctly I had to disable the Defrag, but again its worth checking after the clean install.

 

[karlsnooks]

Anthony,
Win 7 correctly handles trim. No action required.

 

[karlsnooks]

UnknownReverent,

A clean install will generally not be needed, however, I recommend a clean install.

Other solutions are not always solutions and require more knowledge and experience than we normally encounter here.

I have done both.

 

[gregrocker]

Since you have a Seagate HD in the mix you can use Seagate's excellent free premium Acronis' cloning/imaging app from SeaTools Seagate.

The Manual is on the downloads page and easy to understand. Resize the source partition to be the same or smaller than target SSD. Let it handle everything else Automatically.

After cloning, unplug the source HD, set SSD first HD to boot in BIOS setup. If it doesn't start confirm WIn7 or it's 100mb System Rserved partition (preferred if you have it) are Marked Active, then run Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times.

You can then plug back in the HD. You'll want to keep your Programs on SSD while your data can be copied to HD after sorting it into User folders, right click each to add to the related Win7 Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums.

If performance isn't perfect then you can try the Clean Reinstall following the same steps as in the blue link to get a perfect reinstall. Unplug the other HD's.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/71432-partition-mark-active.html

 

[LittleJay]

I have used the Paragon Migrate OS to SSD program many times. It is very user friendly and I have never had a problem afterward.

 

[whs]

I have used the Paragon Migrate OS to SSD program many times. It is very user friendly and I have never had a problem afterward.

Same here.

 

[UnknownReverent]

Since you have a Seagate HD in the mix you can use Seagate's excellent free premium Acronis' cloning/imaging app from SeaTools Seagate.

The Manual is on the downloads page and easy to understand. Resize the source partition to be the same or smaller than target SSD. Let it handle everything else Automatically.

After cloning, unplug the source HD, set SSD first HD to boot in BIOS setup. If it doesn't start confirm WIn7 or it's 100mb System Rserved partition (preferred if you have it) are Marked Active, then run Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times.

You can then plug back in the HD. You'll want to keep your Programs on SSD while your data can be copied to HD after sorting it into User folders, right click each to add to the related Win7 Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums.

If performance isn't perfect then you can try the Clean Reinstall following the same steps as in the blue link to get a perfect reinstall. Unplug the other HD's.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/71432-partition-mark-active.html

I see no Acronis in there. All I see is "DiscWizard".

Regardless, I have quite a bit more stuff on here than I would be able to fit on the new SSD. I'd have to remove stuff, then clone, then use my SSD. Reinstalling Windows maybe a pain, but it looks like I may have to. I was curious if cloning messed with performance or anything compared to a clean install.

From the feedback I got, it would operate just the same if I cloned compared to clean installed.

If I didn't have so much stuff on this drive, then I'd probably consider doing that. Unfortunately, I'm only getting a 120gb SSD and I've used almost 200gb on this hard drive.

I also think a clean install would be more appropriate for Windows updates and my drivers.

I could always change my mind because I probably won't get the SSD for another 2 or 3 days. I'm just waiting on it to be shipped.

 

[gregrocker]

Sorry I gave you the wrong link: Seagate Acronis cloning free util

I'd sort my data into the User folders and then copy them onto a data partition the HD or to external, then delete the contents of each on the OS. This should leave you with only the OS and Programs since the paging and hibernate file should be excluded during cloning.

What is the size then?

 

[UnknownReverent]

I'd have to delete quite a few things to get back to a few programs and Windows 7. Which is why I'm thinking it would be much easier to do a clean install even though it will be a pain to reinstall some stuff. Especially since some of the games are like 15gb files of which I had to download from Steam.

 

[gregrocker]

A Clean Reinstall is always a good thing. The steps for retail are pretty much the same as to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

 

[UnknownReverent]

A Clean Reinstall is always a good thing. The steps for retail are pretty much the same as to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

It's not an OEM. I built my computer.

 

[gregrocker]

That's why I said the steps were the "same as for" OEM.

 

[UnknownReverent]

That's why I said the steps were the "same as for" OEM.

I know how to do a clean install, I just haven't installed on an SSD. I'm assuming it's the same way, but just to make sure AHCI is enabled.

 

[gregrocker]

How do I know whether it's the same way you normally install it? Most people install Win7 incorrectly using XPired methods with drivers?

I guess I got carried away thinking this was an advice site. :sarc:

I would check in BIOS setup to see that AHCI is enabled.

 

[UnknownReverent]

How do I know whether it's the same way you normally install it? Most people install Win7 incorrectly using XPired methods with drivers?

I guess I got carried away thinking this was an advice site. :sarc:

I would check in BIOS setup to see that AHCI is enabled.

Everything I need is already backed up on an external. I partition the new install with the Windows 7 install. Once installed I download all my drivers. I didn't think it was more difficult than that, lol. The SSD is a new drive so I won't need to repartition or delete any partitions.

 

[gregrocker]

Once installed I download all my drivers.

So you do need to read Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 .

This is no longer XP. Drivers are in the installer, quickly updated by optional Windows Updates. You only need to provide one or two normally.

There are other Best Practices in the tutorial based on helping countless thousands of users here get perfect Clean Reinstalls.