How to transfer windows 7 from a laptop (platter) to a new SSD?

[netrate]

Ok, I purchased an SSD (kingston 120gig), and now I need to figure out a way to take windows 7 from the laptop and transfer it to the new SSD. The laptop has the product key on a sticker on the bottom of the computer so I am good for the key, but I don't have the original windows 7 software. How should I go about completing this project?
I know that MS has windows 10 available for download, but I don't know if they have windows 7 for download?

 

[SIW2]

1. You could clone from the hdd to the ssd. Often a usb to sata adapter cable is used. Usb end plugs into
the laptop - the sata end attaches to the ssd.


2. Or you could make an image of the hdd, store the image on a usb stick or external hd. Then put the ssd in the machine and use the imaging program boot media to apply the image you just made onto the ssd.


3. Or you can do a clean install from MS installation media, you have the license key, and you will probably need to add some drivers that are specific to your machine.

You can use dism++ or doubledriver to export/backup the drivers from your currently running system. You can add those to your fresh install. Alternatively, your machine manufacturer should have the drivers on their website.


There are free programs that will do the cloning/copying - Aomei Backuppper ( standard ) edition, Aomei partition assistant, The free versions of easeus, macrium, paragon, minitool , etc,etc do the same kind of thing the last time I looked.

Dism++ to backup and restore drivers is here. Can also backup/restore activation. Can also d/l and install updates - and plenty more
http://cdn.chuyu.me/Dism++10.1.1000.80_a17953e8473f7f23592c97f64b25091d.zip


Aomei backupper for cloning or imaging
Best Windows Backup and Restore Software | AOMEI Backupper


If you need a win 7 installation iso
https://www.heidoc.net/php/Windows ISO Downloader.exe

Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool

 

[SIW2]

There are pros and cons - imaging/cloning keeps all your setiings and programs, and everything currently on your windows partition. But - it might be tricky if the ssd is smaller than your current used space. And you will be transferring manufacturer bloatware and all the other crud that windows accumulates over time.

A fresh install is preferred by many because it is clean. But - you will need to apply your key or restore your activation backup - add any necessary drivers, reinstall your programs - so you need any program licenses, passwords etc - and install the updates, etc.

 

[samuria]

Transfering from hd to ssd there are extra settings you need to do on the ssd. If you do a clean install you have the old as a backup

 

[datenmure]

I assume you are replacing the HD in your laptop by an SSD. I did the same the other day, as follows:
1. put the SSD into a USB3 2.5" hard drive enclosure
2. opened the laptop, took the HD out and put it into a second USB3 2.5" hard drive enclosure
3. attached both to another PC
4. cloned with Macrium Reflect Free
5. put the SSD into the laptop and booted - all OK


This does not work if the SSD is smaller than HD. If the SSD is smaller:
Either shrink the HD partitions on the HD first (I use Partition Wizard for that, but any of the freeware partition tools will do), and then clone with Macrium Reflect or similar tools.
Or clone with Acronis True Image which will shrink partitions on the fly, such that they fit (but that is a commercial tool).


I was wondering, btw, how you want to replace the 1TB HD which I see in your sig, by a 120GB SSD. Or does your laptop have 2 disk bays?

 

[samuria]

When you cloned to ssddid you then apply correct settings? Optimize Windows for SSDs - Thomas-Krenn-Wiki

 

[netrate]

I am going to go the new install route. I can always clone after if this doesn't work out.

SIW2 - Ok, I am presently downloading the ISO for windows 7 pro. After it is done downloading, what is my next step?

1) do I take the windows ISO and put it on a USB drive?
2) Do I need to boot to the BIOS and change the boot selection to the USB?
3) Do I need to just take out the old drive, put in the new one, and it will auto -select the USB?

 

[samuria]

Write ISO to USB or DVD remove old drive change boot order in the bios boot from USB

 

[netrate]

Ok, I have tried it without success.
I downloaded the windows 7 iso : I did as much research and it looks like it is the SP1 COEM windows 7 professional

1) downloaded the file
2) copied it to the USB
3) Change the bios settings on the laptop for DVD USB
4) Took out the old HDD and inserted the new SSD drive.
5) Once the iso was downloaded, I had a hard time with the autorun file. I had to turn off my anti-virus to copy it. I opened the autorun.inf and noticed it says

[AutoRun.Amd64]
open=setup.exe
icon=setup.exe,0

[AutoRun]
open=sources\sperr32.exe x64
icon=sources\sperr32.exe,0

This laptop is intel i-core 5. So I am not sure how I got the wrong ISO (which isn't good because it is such a large file and I have only limited bandwidth per month).

6) Tried it anyway and no success. The computer starts with the HP logo, it ties the USB for about 1 second, shows the HP logo, tries the USB and then repeats over and over.

the HeiDoc.net did not specify which chipset.

Any ideas?

 

[SIW2]

Sounds like the usb is not bootable.

There are several applications you can use to transfer iso to bootable usb. Rufus is popular.

Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way

There is a simpler one here- just leave it set at fat32

View attachment Usb7ice.zip


This is correct for 64 bit amd64 means x64. It is because amd came up with the spec. It is not only for use with amd cpus.

If you are using a 64-bit computer, you want the amd64 version, regardless what brand of CPU you are using.

[AutoRun.Amd64]
open=setup.exe
icon=setup.exe,0

[AutoRun]
open=sources\sperr32.exe x64
icon=sources\sperr32.exe,0

 

[netrate]

so once i create a bootable usb, I need to go back and transfer the ISO to it again?

 

[SIW2]

The programs work as follows:

select the usb, select the iso - they transfer the contents of the iso to the usb, making it bootable during the process.

You can do it all in one process.

 

[netrate]

Ok, it installed. Thank you.

What would you recommend next? Right now the internet is not working with it, no connections. Should I go to the HP website and download all of the drivers?

 

[SIW2]

Should I go to the HP website and download all of the drivers?

Yes.

Then use dism++ to install the updates.

http://cdn.chuyu.me/Dism++10.1.1000.80_a17953e8473f7f23592c97f64b25091d.zip

https://www.chuyu.me/en/index.html

 

[netrate]

Ok, and thank you. There are many updates/drivers/files on the HP site, it is going to be a long night...