Using System Image on a new ssd drive and more ram

[unknownHero]

Hi, I recently brought a new ssd disk because the old one was running out of space. Since I have created a system image I was of just restoring this to the new ssd disk but I have also brought some new ram as well and will install this too. Will this cause problems with using system image.

Will it be better to do a fresh install?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello unknownHero, welcome to Seven Forums!


The best way may be to do a clean install, power down the PC and connect the SSD to the #1 SATA port of the motherboard for the install and set that as the first boot device in the BIOS, so there will be no issues with the Older OS, then you can move your stuff to the new install at your leisure, then when ready just delete the old install.

Just use the PC BIOS to boot to one OS or the other in the interim.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

but I have also brought some new ram as well and will install this too. Will this cause problems with using system image.

The new RAM shouldn't have any effect at all on your imaging plans.

I'd probably do a clean install rather than imaging. Or I might try imaging once and if it failed to restore to the SSD properly as expected, I'd give up on it rather than get into a lot of trouble-shooting and frustration.

Paragon Migrate is always a choice--it costs $20 and apparently works very well.

 

[karlsnooks]

Hi, I recently brought a new ssd disk because the old one was running out of space. Since I have created a system image I was of just restoring this to the new ssd disk but I have also brought some new ram as well and will install this too. Will this cause problems with using system image.

Will it be better to do a fresh install?

UnknownHero,

Welcome to SevenForums.

NO.
This will NOT cause any problems.

Enjoy your new SSD.

karl

 

[unknownHero]

Thanks guys, I'll try the imaging option first because it's basically the same system as before I imaged it. Only now it will have 8Gb of ram instead of 4Gb. Hopefully it will all work out.

I imagine it wouldn't work if I actually changed more hardware like the graphics card etc right?

 

[karlsnooks]

Generally speaking, will still work, but you may need to reactivate and you may have graphics problems due to using the wrong graphic drivers.

I advise against pushing your luck. Restore your image to the new SSD. Make sure that all is in order. Then, attack the graphic card update.

 

[mjf]

I had no problems doing an image restore to my SSD. See this tutorial
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/149969-ssd-install-transfer-operating-system.html
Although I use Windows imaging most of the time I did use free Macrium Reflect for this exercise. Create aligned partitions before you reimage.

 

[karlsnooks]

He has not said how he made his system image.

He did state that he made an image.

If he using Win 7 software, then he doesn't need to concern himself with alignment as Win 7 take care of that for you.

If he was installing Linux or some variant thereof,then he should concern himself with alignment.

 

[mjf]

I think the main thing is to recognize that the partitions he imaged are not greater in size than the SSD. Many people move from a larger spinner to a smaller SSD.
I think the WHS tutorial talks about this.

 

[karlsnooks]

Although he did not specifically state, I believe he is moving from one ssd to another.

However, the results of the image restore will answer many questions.

 

[unknownHero]

Hi, just an update to let everyone know that everything went well, the system image went fine and the computer is running stable. Just so everyone is clear I used windows 7 own system image tool to carry out the operation.

I noticed some people have suggested using some other system image software but, what I would like to know is why would you buy software to image your hard disk when windows 7 already provides a mostly decent tool already?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I noticed some people have suggested using some other system image software but, what I would like to know is why would you buy software to image your hard disk when windows 7 already provides a mostly decent tool already?

Most people would not buy an alternative. They would download free versions of Acronis, Macrium, or some other tool.

The Windows tool works pretty well, but is not particularly flexible or easy to understand for a novice.

Some people pay for imaging apps because that likely gives them access to the developer's own forum. Others pay because the free versions may not have a particular required feature.

 

[chev65]

Hi, just an update to let everyone know that everything went well, the system image went fine and the computer is running stable. Just so everyone is clear I used windows 7 own system image tool to carry out the operation.

I noticed some people have suggested using some other system image software but, what I would like to know is why would you buy software to image your hard disk when windows 7 already provides a mostly decent tool already?

I agree, why bother with third party programs when the built in version works flawlessly.

I never seem to have any problems with Windows 7 file recovery images, the automatic image creation works well also. Creating images and restoring from them is SO easy I wonder why this section of the forum is even here.

 

[mjf]

I noticed some people have suggested using some other system image software but, what I would like to know is why would you buy software to image your hard disk when windows 7 already provides a mostly decent tool already?

I mostly use Windows inbuilt and have performed numerous system image restores to existing and new HDDs and have never experienced a problem.
Having said that I also keep some images using free Macrium Reflect just in case Windows lets me down. Also, Macrium can be useful for certain imaging operations that Windows cannot handle.
The fact is that for whatever reasons people have come unstuck with Windows inbuilt imaging. For example, inability to locate images on external HDDs when they are physically present.

 

[karlsnooks]

I'm also a happy user of Win 7 System Image Backup and Restore.

I've never had any problem locating images on external HDDs and all of my backups are to USB external drives.

 

[mjf]

I've never had any problem locating images on external HDDs and all of my backups are to USB external drives.

Likewise, but unfortunately there are quite a few people who ask for help with this issue. Ironically one solution is to mount the vhd, then image and restore with Macrium.

 

[karlsnooks]

Ironically one solution is to mount the vhd, then image and restore with Macrium.

Interesting approach.