System Image Disc Size Question

[poolmon]

I have two 500g HDDs un-partitioned HDDs in my desktop computer. The primary HDD has the WIN 7 OS, all my Apps and some data. The secondary HDD has my additional data plus my WIN 7 Images.
I'd like to swap out my 500g primary HDD (of which only 76g is used) with a 120g un-partitioned SSD (to speed up the system) using the WIN 7 Image currently stored on my 500g secondary drive.

The question is can I put an image from my 500g primary drive (with only 76g used) on a 120g SSD drive? In other words is the image of the entire 500g drive such that it won't fit on the 120g drive, or is it of only the 76g used portion?

Also, since the image is of the HDD configuration with all drivers is there any issue going to an SSD with its specific management drivers (if any)? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Shouldn't be any issue going with an SSD, drivers or otherwise.

Some SSDs come with software to transfer from HDD to SSD.

I can't speak for Windows 7 imaging application, but I can tell you that a Macrium Reflect Free Edition image of a hard drive with 76 GB occupied would take up about 30 to 40 GB. When restored to an SSD, it should take up the same 76 GB.

You're crowding it a bit with a 120 GB SSD if you have 76 occupied, but it shouldn't be a problem until it grows to maybe 90 plus. Maybe you can reduce that 76? I have only about 34 occupied and it grows by maybe 1 or 2 GB per year.

If you currently have a "system reserved" partition, that needs to be part of your image. Windows 7 imaging should be smart enough to take care of that.