8

Changing hard disk with ssd, can I migrate contents so that I can switch drives without a hassle?

For instance, keep my Windows configuration and installed programs and documents

1
  • Since I've done this multiple times I would certainly say it's possible. Aug 19, 2014 at 18:31

2 Answers 2

7

I use imagex.exe to do this all the time.

Pros:

  • Free tool from Microsoft
  • Can copy the whole HD, in tact, ready to boot after your done.

Cons:

  • You need a place to store the image file it creates, it will not duplicate straigt from one disk to another. This can be on the original HD however, if it's less than 1/2 full.
  • It's part of the Windows AIK, which is a rather large download.
  • You need to know how to use it from the command line, it doesn't have a GUI.

To capture the existing HD image: imagex /capture C:\ D:\tempfile.wim "SomeName" [/compress fast]
Format the new drive however you want it (use Disk Management to make it easy, also don't forget to make the partition where Windows is going as Active).
To write the new HD from the image: imagex /apply D:\tempfile.wim 1 E:\

In this example the source HD is "C:", a temporary drive (USB or whatever) is "D:" and the new drive is "E:"
Take the old drive out, leaving just the new drive and you're good to go.

Edit:
This was originally written for XP and older OSes where the boot manager didn't care about partition labeling. The new BCD system does care about boot labels, so the BCD will need to be "fixed" in Vista, 7, 8, etc. Lots of details available in my Answer to a similar question on SF. Also, the Windows Setup CD can be booted and used to "repair" the installation automagically.

Alternately, there are 3rd Party tools available that make this process fairly easy (I'm always a bit leery of these tools as I've had problems with some of them in the past, no problems recently however)... Such as CloneZilla.

5
  • Don't you have to update the bootloader as well?
    – user12889
    Apr 28, 2010 at 0:50
  • 1
    It depends on the partition setup you have before and after. Most people with XP just have one partiton, and the image will as well, so no changes necessary. If it's more complicated than that, you will probably have to make more changes.
    – Chris S
    Apr 28, 2010 at 2:11
  • do you have to worry about ... partition alignment with your imaging software?
    – Maslow
    Dec 26, 2010 at 2:19
  • @Maslow, the normal partition alignment requirements apply. If you're using a Vista or Win7 diskpart, it will take care of alignment for you. If you're using XP (especially on 4K sect disks) then you need to worry about it. The image utility does not partition or format disks itself, it just worries about the files.
    – Chris S
    Dec 26, 2010 at 3:32
  • I love this, and you
    – ZJR
    Aug 19, 2014 at 17:07
0

Symantec GHOST or Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery are two product that would do this easily. System Recovery has a 60 day trial. Not sure about a GHOST trial.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .