How to clone Windows?

[nils925]

Some company gave me a wrong SSD, but I already installed Win 7 on that, and I have also already activated the product key. Now, the company is giving me a new SSD but I need to return the old one, so how do I put my Windows on the new SSD? I still have the Win 7 DVD so I can install it on the SSD, but I have activated the code on the old one, so should I transfer my Windows from my old SSD to the new one or should I just reinstall Windows with the DVD, and use the same code (or is there another solution)? I'm sorry if this is a bit unclear if there is something you don't understand just say it.

Thanks in advance,

 

Nils

[Godlygamer23]

You can transfer the Windows installation over to your new SSD using cloning software. If the SSD is coming as retail, it should include some cloning software.

[legopc]

you could use on of these programs: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_disk_cloning_software

but do you need to send your ssd back in order to get a new one or is it already on the way? 

[nils925]

you could use on of these programs: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_disk_cloning_software

but do you need to send your ssd back in order to get a new one or is it already on the way? 

I think I'll need to send it back first but maybe I can bitch my way out of it (it is a local company, I think it will trust me). But in case I do need to send my old one back first, what should I do then?

[Godlygamer23]

I think I'll need to send it back first but maybe I can bitch my way out of it (it is a local company, I think it will trust me). But in case I do need to send my old one back first, what should I do then?

Do you have another storage solution of some sort? Like an external HDD or internal one? If so, you can use the default backup utility included in Windows to perform the backup.

[nils925]

Do you have another storage solution of some sort? Like an external HDD or internal one? If so, you can use the default backup utility included in Windows to perform the backup.

Well, I have an internal 2TB HDD, so if I get this right: I need to get me one of those programs and clone the SSD to the HDD, and can I then clone it back to the new SSD? And is Windows usable on the HDD in the meantime? Oh and does that backup utility included in Windows also back up Windows itself (not just documents & files etc.)?

[Willson94]

As long as you've still got the product key you just have to install windows on the new drive enter the key and go through an automated activation process on the phone no big deal I've used 3 different drives for my OS at this point.  

[nils925]

Okay, thanks guys!

[Godlygamer23]

Well, I have an internal 2TB HDD, so if I get this right: I need to get me one of those programs and clone the SSD to the HDD, and can I then clone it back to the new SSD? And is Windows usable on the HDD in the meantime? Oh and does that backup utility included in Windows also back up Windows itself (not just documents & files etc.)?

No. Just backup your system(all files on your SSD) to the hard drive. It'll only be used as a backup solution. You will not be able to boot off the hard drive. The utility will backup whatever you want it to backup. At the bottom of the backup window(when selecting a drive to backup to), it should give you an option at the bottom to create an system image in the backup. Check that off.