Solved install ssd and keep all programs without a reinstall of windows

[gatewatcher]

This is what I started with.

 

[gatewatcher]

According to what I have written down in my notes. I used partition wizard to shrink c partition down to 220GB. Then, used Macrium to clone system and c from disk one to disk two. I did not partition any thing on disk two. Macrium cloned it as it is now.

 

[gatewatcher]

While getting my stuff in order, I now find that Mini Partition Wizard (free) won't let me merge partitions. Now I need to find a way to do that too. Free, keyword here.

 

[DavidE]

Post a screen print of your current Windows disk management.
What partitions are you trying to merge ?
Is the screen print in post #64 the latest and greatest for what you see in Macrium ?

Can you post a screen print showing what you see for

I now find that Mini Partition Wizard (free) won't let me merge partitions

 

[gatewatcher]

The last snip is from today, nothing is changed. Just to try, I thought I would merge the 2.65GB to F in disk one. Won't let me. If you have followed along, I don't really know what I'm doing, trial and error sort of. Without ruining something that now works. Partitioning is new to me too, that's why the 2.65 GB is there. never really needed to partition on anything. I got back ups though in more than one spot so feel sort of safe.

 

[AddRAM]

It`s not a partition, it`s un allocated space. You have to extend the partition on it`s left to grab that space.

You really need to post a shot of disk management from windows for us, it`s just such a better picture, oh want ya pertty please :roflmao:

What does it matter ? Arent you going to delete all those partitions off that drive and format it ? Set it up properly ?

I would just delete everything but that Rcovery partition. That partition may not even be of any use anymore either, so if it`s not, that can be deleted too. Greg will know for sure.

Then you will have an entire hard drive for data storage and disk images.

 

[whs]

Looks like you start getting a headache over that. Take 20 bucks and get this program. It transfers your C partition and system partition with 3 clicks. 3 minutes of work and 20 minutes of waiting and it is all done. It does all the alignments and the settings required for SSDs.

 

[AddRAM]

But, but ..... he`s all done, he`s just working on the hard drive, no need to spend any money.

 

[gatewatcher]

First, to AddRAM, I don't know, but here's the snip. to whs, I don't have twenty bucks, And If I did I wouldn't learn anything.

 

[gregrocker]

Macrium can resize partitions during the cloning or imaging process by highlighting the partition to Manage from the link just below the partition when it's highlighted to size it correctly.

But you can easily do it now in Disk Mgmt by rightclicking C to Extend, then click Next all the way through inserting a label in the empty label box if you want it labeled. Partition or Volume - Extend

Tell us what you want to do with the hard drive now and we'll give you the steps. Since the clone is configured correctly to boot itself, you can delete the OS partitions on the HD at any time when ready to either create a new partition there or Extend the data partition to the left which requires Partition Wizard How to extend partition easily with Partition Wizard - video help. You can also delete the Recovery partition since it will be useless after deleting the OS partition.

Or you can move the data off the HD to wipe it cleanest using Diskpart Clean Command then repartition as a data drive for storage. But if it is going to remain in DISK0 position then I would only use Logical partitions so that any repairs or reinstall cannot derail the System boot files to the first Primary partition as can happen: Partition / Extended : Logical Drives - Windows 7 Forums

 

[gatewatcher]

I got this SSD as a Christmas gift, not the one I would have bought. I would have bought a Crucial one, with help to install. Not what I got so, working on getting things in order.

 

[AddRAM]

Come on people, let`s just help the guy get done what he wants to get done.

1st thing, do you want to add that 3.05 GB of un allocated space to the ssd ?

Let`s try to get that done 1st.

 

[gatewatcher]

@ gregrocker, still trying to sort out the libraries. All I want is a nice clean SSD. so machine boots and everything to go to my HDD. Sounds easy. Probably is for you guys. I have plenty of room there. Machine works great now. Just not how it should be I think.

 

[gatewatcher]

What your asking I don't know. I want a nice clean SSD, for quick boot. That was why I wanted it to begin with. And, everything should go to HDD where I have lots of room. That's it. Maybe it's wrong, maybe it can't be done, that's why I came here.

 

[DavidE]

There are 2 Active partitions right now.
That can cause problems (unless you're dual booting and configured correctly).
I think that is part of what Greg is trying to clean up now...
He's also trying to make sure you don't lose any data.

 

[whs]

But, but ..... he`s all done, he`s just working on the hard drive, no need to spend any money.

I guess I should have read the whole sage, LOL.

 

[gregrocker]

For most people that size SSD should be big enough to include all programs and files. Your previous Win7 partition used only half that much. Was it severely edited down in size in preparation for the cloning?

If not then what I would do is wait until you notice the space is getting spare to move User folders gradually to the HD, trying both the methods to see which one you like best: User Folders - Change Default Location or Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums with Library - Set Save Folder - Windows 7 Help Forums. I prefer moving the User folders myself.

 

[gatewatcher]

@DavidE. I shouldn't lose any data, it's backed up on J, another external, and DVD disks unless I missed something. That's possible.

 

[gregrocker]

David, the old System Reserved is still Active because it is self-booting but because it isn't booted in the screenshot does not have the System flag showing. We confirmed this earlier when the old OS was booted (as signified by the Boot flag) and contained System flag in screenshot:

Hence if he removes the Active flag it will not be able to boot so I'd wait until he is ready to get rid of that OS before marking it Inactive and then deleting the old System Reserved and Win7 partitions. Or he can wipe that HD to get it cleanest.

 

[DavidE]

Understood and agreed.
Thanks Greg.