Solved Transferred programs and os to SSD, not what I expected

[Seven64bit]

So I just received my Intel 240GB 520 SSD. My intention was to move the Windows, Program Files (x86), and Program Files folders to the SSD hoping that would basically give me the exact same setup except the programs and os launch off the SSD leaving the Users folder and everything else on my HDD.

After migrating the data (paragon software) I booted up on the SSD, the desktop was black it apparently couldn't be found, none of my settings were the same, none of the programs started automatically, directx was 'not found', it was definitely not what i expected, help with this would be great!

thanks

 

[gazz9496]

i've tried to use cloning software with ssd's in the past and seen the exact same results as you describe using emc retrospec, similar software for migration.

I can only surmise it's to do with how ssd's manage information.

the only solution i found was to do a clean install, which i must say is recommended for an ssd, otherwise you may end up with odd things happening, you don't want windows trying to defrag an ssd that is suppose to be using trim instead due to it not realising it's on an ssd.

Often times people wish to migrate their OS which is fine if the hardware is the same, switching to an ssd changes things i'm not certain there is any migration software that works well with ssd's some say they support it but they end up with similar results to yourself.

 

[DavidE]

Take a look at this tutorial by whs for transferring an OS to an SSD.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/149969-ssd-install-transfer-operating-system.html

I recently bought an SSD and transferred the OS using a modified Geeky approach.
I think most people purchase the program to use the Easy way and prefer that approach.

 

[whs]

If you used the Paragon Migration tool, that should not have happened. I used it many times with perfect results. Can you describe in a bit more detail what exactly you have done.

 

[Seven64bit]

Ok, so I installed the ssd in to my PC. I initialized it in disk management, I cleaned it using diskpart, I then used the paragon software I chose to migrate the folders
-Windows
-Program Files (x86)
-Program Files

Leaving the rest in my WD HDD
After migrating I restarted my pc
I entered the bios (I could not change the order of my boot devices, the ssd was not showing up on the boot order so I used the boot menu to choose the ssd for now)
I then booted up and everything I explained above happened.

 

[whs]

Looks like you left a bunch of OS files off. Why don't you transfer the whole OS without selecting specific files.

 

[DavidE]

It sounds like you only migrated 3 folders to the SSD:
-Windows
-Program Files (x86)
-Program Files
"Leaving the rest in my WD HDD"

The tutorial says to transfer the entire "C:" partition to the SSD

2.The easy way for transferring the OS requires you to purchase this program. It does everything for you – alignment, deals with the 100MB partition, transfers C:, shrinks the originating partition, etc. All you will have to do is change the boot sequence.

I think this what is causing your problem.
I restored entire OS Partitions from Acronis backup images when i migrated to an SSD and had no problems.

Did you use the Paragon program specified in the tutorial, or some other Paragon program?

I'm no expert, so wait for whs to post back.
gregrocker is probably the best W7 install expert here so if he gives advice, it is good!

edit: whs beat me to it !

 

[Seven64bit]

I used the paragon software in that tutorial, but the thing is is that the contents on my HDD is more than the capacity of the SSD, that's why I thought I could just transfer the programs and OS.

-I was under the impression the whole OS was the windows folder??

 

[DavidE]

One way or another you need to get your HD OS down in size to fit into the SSD.
If you store a lot of media files on the OS HD, you can move them to a different partition.
If you're a gamer you may need to uninstall/reinstall games to a different partition.

How much space is used on your HD C: partition, and what data is on it?

Most tech users store data and games on a different partition than the "C:" OS + programs partition.
It sounds like you store everything on the C: partition.

 

[Seven64bit]

One way or another you need to get your HD OS down in size to fit into the SSD.
If you store a lot of media files on the OS HD, you can move them to a different partition.
If you're a gamer you may need to uninstall/reinstall games to a different partition.

How much space is used on your HD C: partition, and what data is on it?

Most tech users store data and games on a different partition than the "C:" OS + programs partition.
It sounds like you store everything on the C: partition.

Yeah everything is on my C partition. Right now I have used 376GB of my HDD, if I move most of my media elsewhere, I would just be able to fit my Users, Windows, and both program files folders on the SSD, but then I probably wouldn't be able to install new programs...
I was hoping to put all of my programs on the SSD so they could launch faster.

 

[DavidE]

A 100 GB C: partition should be large enough to store the OS + programs for most users.
What do you have your C: partition that uses so much space?
It sounds like you have something in the Users folder that is using a lot of space.

My C: drive uses apx. 30 GB right now.
That is the OS and all programs - media, utilities, office, etc. (no games)
I installed Win 7 almost three years ago.
All user data is stored on a different partition using Libraries.

I have several hundred GB of data, but none of it is on the C: partition.

 

[Seven64bit]

A 100 GB C: partition should be large enough to store the OS + programs for most users.
What do you have your C: partition that uses so much space?
It sounds like you have something in the Users folder that is using a lot of space.

My C: drive uses apx. 30 GB right now.
That is the OS and all programs - media, utilities, office, etc. (no games)
I installed Win 7 almost three years ago.
All user data is stored on a different partition using Libraries.

I have several hundred GB of data, but none of it is on the C: partition.

Well most of the data is games (steam) and media under my users folder (videos, movies, etc.)

Media in my users folder runs to about 127GB
and games in my steam folder run to about 50GB
all other games amount to about 102GB
Windows amounts to 30GB
Both program files folders amount to 172GB (that includes games and steam games)

I can obviously leave my media out, but I would like to have my games on my ssd for the fast launch time

 

[DavidE]

Understood!
I can't help with the gaming consideration.
Hopefully other gamers will post with suggestions.

From what i have read i believe most gamers only install their favorite / most often used games onto the SSD.
Other games are installed on a HD.
But, that is what i think based on what i have read - no real world experience here.

hope this helps,
David

 

[whs]

I use 60GB SSDs for the OS and usually have more than 30GB of free space.

1. You need to move the user files to another partition or disk.

2. Get rid of the hiberfile if you do not use hibenation. The command is powercfg -h off

3. Reduce the pagefile to 2GBs

You can probably leave all your programs on the C drive. They do not take a lot of space. Exceptions are big games. Those I would uninstall and reinstall once the SSD is operational. Then you can direct them to a folder on a HDD.

 

[OldMX]

I've clone hundreds of HDs to SSDs without a single issue, but I use clonezilla or acronis true image from outside the operating system.

 

[whs]

I've clone hundreds of HDs to SSDs without a single issue, but I use clonezilla or acronis true image from outside the operating system.

If you know what you are doing, you can use any imaging program. But many people don't want to bother crawling thru the details. For them, the Paragon Migration Tool is very convenient. It's a 3 click affair and the job is done.

 

[essenbe]

Paragon Migrate will do an excellent job every time. I have used it dozens of times without even 1 failure. But, you have to leave the system files on the SSD. It appears you have moved some system files which is causing your problems. Move you user folders, media and games to another drive. Then use Paragon again to move the OS and programs. There is little advantage of having games on the SSD. They will load faster but will not run any faster. You do not need to initalize or format the SSD, Paragon will do that. It will format and align the ssd during the move.

 

[Seven64bit]

Well I ran the program again, everything is working properly, boots up fast! I installed all of my programs (Except 2 games) they all run faster but I have 13.4GB left on the SSD, not sure whether it's worth it or not.

EDIT - Well I moved the whole steam folder to my HDD and it works great, not a huge difference in launch times and saves space on the SSD for more intensive programs!

I guess I'll keep it after all

Thanks everyone for the help!