Cloning the OS

[Des----]

I have a HDD which has about 400 gb used, and i recently received a SSD which is 240gb in size. Is it possible to migrate just the OS into the SSD? I can't clone the whole drive as the size is too big for the SSD.

[techguru]

I have a HDD which has about 400 gb used, and i recently received a SSD which is 240gb in size. Is it possible to migrate just the OS into the SSD? I can't clone the whole drive as the size is too big for the SSD.

no

not without deleting a bunch on the hdd

[MilkJugg24]

Try deleting/transfering content off the drive down to about 200GB and then defragging it a couple times.

 

Then go to disk management and see if you can shrink the partition down to 235~GB or less, that way you can transfer it.

 

Use your SSD manufacturer's software to clone the drives.

 

Then after you boot off the SSD, just extend the partition and you'll be good to go.

 

The hardest part is getting it to shrink small enough to move over, it was a pain in the butt going from 350GB to 256GB for me. Took like 4 or 5 defrags and had to delete/transfer almost all my games, but it was worth it.

[Des----]

Try deleting/transfering content off the drive down to about 200GB and then defragging it a couple times.

 

Then go to disk management and see if you can shrink the partition down to 235~GB or less, that way you can transfer it.

 

Use your SSD manufacturer's software to clone the drives.

 

Then after you boot off the SSD, just extend the partition and you'll be good to go.

 

The hardest part is getting it to shrink small enough to move over, it was a pain in the butt going from 350GB to 256GB for me. Took like 4 or 5 defrags and had to delete/transfer almost all my games, but it was worth it.

 

I have the Zotac Premium 240gb version and it doesnt seem to have its own cloning software, can i use other cloning software out there? Also which defragment software did you use?

[MilkJugg24]

I have the Zotac Premium 240gb version and it doesnt seem to have its own cloning software, can i use other cloning software out there? Also which defragment software did you use?

 

That's funny, they don't have software for it, but there's a download to a zipfile with literally images of the drive. That's amazing.

 

https://www.zotac.com/us/files/download/by_product?p_nid=501161&driver_type=All&os=All

 

---------------

 

But anyways, I have a Corsair Force LX in my laptop and I used their software to clone the drive. So i just used their software, but it only works for Corsair's SSDs, same with Samsung, Intel, HyperX, etc.. They're only useable with their products.

 

I think all other solutions are premium such as Acronis, where you have to pay to use the software but it works across any drive manufacturer. Sorry, I hope it came/comes with a CD with software on it for you.

 

And as for defragging, I use defraggler. Free version of course.

 

https://www.piriform.com/defraggler

[Des----]

erm.. so any software will do?

[techguru]

erm.. so any software will do?

acronis is best

[Des----]

acronis is best

Alright thanks for the help guys ! <3

[Captain_WD]

~snip~

 

Hey there Des----,

 

First off I would like to say that migrating a OS from a HDD a SSD is not recommended as it involves a great amount of risk from compatibility issues and driver conflicts such as the SSD being recognized as a HDD and thus miss out on features such as TRIM and be susceptible to defragmentation which can degrade the SSD's lifespan. I would recommend doing a fresh install of the OS on the SSD and then reinstalling all your applications and games. 

 

There are some tools that can clone only partitions without the whole drive but the same risks apply. It's up to you.

 

Captain_WD.