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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

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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.

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Don't you have to update the bootloader as well? – user12889 Apr 28 '10 at 0:50
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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 '10 at 2:11
do you have to worry about ... partition alignment with your imaging software? – Maslow Dec 26 '10 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 '10 at 3:32
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up vote 1 down vote

Just came across the new program for early adopters run by Paragon Software. It seems to be useful solution that transfers os to ssd drive. Currently they launch new component for migrations to new storage devices (HDD/ SSD) that can be tested for free by joining the program, check this: http://www.paragon-software.com/support/early-adopter/index.html.

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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.

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