transfer OS from working hdd to SSD with 3rd computer
My laptop (Win 8.1) quit working. I removed the hard drive and have it working as an external drive on my Windows 7 desktop. I have a brand new SSD drive in a pluggable external case and would like to transfer the OS and, if possible, the applications installed from the Win 8.1 drive or at least enough to get the Windows 10 upgrade to work so I don't have to purchase Win 10. I see the original laptop drive on my desktop as drive H, but, although I can see that the new SSD is connected,
The new drive is visible in the Devices and Printers (USB3-SATA-UASP1) and I can see proerties (General, hardware,) The SSD is straight out of the box, so no formatting.
I have software packages that should be able to image the original HDD or transfer the OS to a new drive, but how do I get a drive letter?
I own all applications on the computer, so I will be happy with just being able to get the capability of getting Windows 10 upgrade.
The new drive is visible in the Devices and Printers (USB3-SATA-UASP1) and I can see proerties (General, hardware,) The SSD is straight out of the box, so no formatting.
I have software packages that should be able to image the original HDD or transfer the OS to a new drive, but how do I get a drive letter?
I own all applications on the computer, so I will be happy with just being able to get the capability of getting Windows 10 upgrade.
This is a standard procedure. Migrating a working installation to another hardware is possible, but will always be considered as "unclean" by people who have tried and failed. Actually, if you are experienced, it is no big deal. So if you consider yourself to be fit, you can clone the hard drive to the ssd using disk cloning software like the free clonezilla. It will start on the new hardware in most cases and then you will install the new drivers, reactivate the windows license and that's that.
European jurisdiction says you may do this even with preinstalled ("OEM") licenses. I cannot speak for american jurisdiction, if you even care.
European jurisdiction says you may do this even with preinstalled ("OEM") licenses. I cannot speak for american jurisdiction, if you even care.
One thing that you won't be able to do though, and from your description this seems to be what you want to do, is to run the OS from your externally connected disk. You can only boot to your OS from a disk connected internally, and not via USB (for that you'd need "WindowsToGo" which is only available in the Enterprise Desktop OS versions since Windows 8.0, and that needs a special installation, you can't "convert" an internally installed OS to WindowsToGo).
ASKER
Thanks, Gentlemen. Let me addess each of your responses.
noxcho: I had just downloaded Paragon Hard Disk Manager 15 Backup and Recovery Compact, which is free today at SharewareOnSale. I have not tried it yet.
McKnife: I am fairly experienced in doing computer software and hardware. I have been a member at Experts-Exchange for many, many years, thought, as I know little compared to you all! I was computer coordinator for a high school, and I do always follow copyright laws. I write in Access and VBA, so I hope others do, too (so, yes, I care)!
Rindi: I do not want to run the OS from the externally connected disk. The Win 8.1 laptop would not run so I took the HDD out and ran a bunch of tests on it. I can get the files (can see it as drive H on my desktop). I do not want to change anything on my desktop. I simply want to copy the OS (and programs if possible) from the limping HDD from the laptop onto a brand new SSD, which, once accomplished, I hope to put into the laptop to get it to run.
All: I have the aforementioned Paragon software, Easeus ToDo Backup and probably more apps that will do the job, but I cannot figure out how to get the brand new SSD drive recognized by more than the window in Devices and Printers, where I do see it attached in a USB3 pluggable case.
In the meantime, I will check on Clonezilla, but I figure I will still have the problem of no drive letter.
noxcho: I had just downloaded Paragon Hard Disk Manager 15 Backup and Recovery Compact, which is free today at SharewareOnSale. I have not tried it yet.
McKnife: I am fairly experienced in doing computer software and hardware. I have been a member at Experts-Exchange for many, many years, thought, as I know little compared to you all! I was computer coordinator for a high school, and I do always follow copyright laws. I write in Access and VBA, so I hope others do, too (so, yes, I care)!
Rindi: I do not want to run the OS from the externally connected disk. The Win 8.1 laptop would not run so I took the HDD out and ran a bunch of tests on it. I can get the files (can see it as drive H on my desktop). I do not want to change anything on my desktop. I simply want to copy the OS (and programs if possible) from the limping HDD from the laptop onto a brand new SSD, which, once accomplished, I hope to put into the laptop to get it to run.
All: I have the aforementioned Paragon software, Easeus ToDo Backup and probably more apps that will do the job, but I cannot figure out how to get the brand new SSD drive recognized by more than the window in Devices and Printers, where I do see it attached in a USB3 pluggable case.
In the meantime, I will check on Clonezilla, but I figure I will still have the problem of no drive letter.
For cloning you don't need any drive-letter, as a matter of fact you shouldn't have one.
I was under the impression the laptop was dead, not the disk. That's why I thought you were wanting to run the OS from an external disk, and probably also why McKnife mentioned licensing and noxcho driver re-installation etc.
I was under the impression the laptop was dead, not the disk. That's why I thought you were wanting to run the OS from an external disk, and probably also why McKnife mentioned licensing and noxcho driver re-installation etc.
How big is the clone source drive and what is the size of SSD drive?
If they are identical then simply run the cloning process via Hard Disk Manager. Check if in HDM Wizards - clone/migration you have Migrate OS to SSD wizard, that makes everything really simple.
And if the drive is connected to a PC via usb box or directly the wizard will show it to you as target for cloning. Note for cloning you need both limping HDD and SSD drives to be connected to a PC.
If they are identical then simply run the cloning process via Hard Disk Manager. Check if in HDM Wizards - clone/migration you have Migrate OS to SSD wizard, that makes everything really simple.
And if the drive is connected to a PC via usb box or directly the wizard will show it to you as target for cloning. Note for cloning you need both limping HDD and SSD drives to be connected to a PC.
ASKER
Rindi, the laptop may be dead, but I think it was just a problem with the HDD. I found a great deal on an SSD drive and thought I would see.... I have actually replaced the laptop with a new laptop, but I would love to give this one, which has a touch screen, to the grandkids.
The original laptop HDD, looking at properties, shows 750 Gb and the new one is only 500 Gb. That is bad.
Got to make a grandchild run. Back in a few hours. Meanwhile, I am copying data off the old HDD and will reduce the size.
The original laptop HDD, looking at properties, shows 750 Gb and the new one is only 500 Gb. That is bad.
Got to make a grandchild run. Back in a few hours. Meanwhile, I am copying data off the old HDD and will reduce the size.
If you manage to run Migrate OS to SSD tool then it will copy system partitions automatically. No need for resizes.
>> shows 750 Gb and the new one is only 500 Gb. That is bad. << not at all
modern imaging soft lets you shrink or expand the partition; most even do it automatic, and suggest it.
the only thing that matters is how far is the old drive filled up? if less than 500 GB - no worries
otherwise - if the space occupied is more than 500 GB, make a backup on an external drive of your data - delete it on the Original drive to free up space, and image it to the SSD
you can Always delete any tmp, or temp files and folders, and uninstall old or not used software too
modern imaging soft lets you shrink or expand the partition; most even do it automatic, and suggest it.
the only thing that matters is how far is the old drive filled up? if less than 500 GB - no worries
otherwise - if the space occupied is more than 500 GB, make a backup on an external drive of your data - delete it on the Original drive to free up space, and image it to the SSD
you can Always delete any tmp, or temp files and folders, and uninstall old or not used software too
ASKER
Hi, Sorry I have been absent, but I have been running Paragon Hard Disk Manager 15 several times. It is getting better, I think, but it shows 4 hours 22 minutes remaining on what I started last night - 77%.
I am doing the Backup to VD. I think it is working on the partition labeled Sonysys 260 MB Fat 32, which has a lime green rectangle. There are
I have deleted everything except the OS and application stuff.
I am confused as to what the various colors mean.
in explorer, I am able to see this drive as Drive H and can see the program files, etc.
Am I at least heading in the right direction?
All I really need from this disk is the OS so I can upgrade to Win 10 for free. Then MAYBE the laptop will work with it. I may be barking up the wrong tree if something else is also wrong with the computer, but it worked fine until one day it just would not boot.
Paragon-HDManager-desc-of-the-Toshib.jpg
I am doing the Backup to VD. I think it is working on the partition labeled Sonysys 260 MB Fat 32, which has a lime green rectangle. There are
I have deleted everything except the OS and application stuff.
I am confused as to what the various colors mean.
in explorer, I am able to see this drive as Drive H and can see the program files, etc.
Am I at least heading in the right direction?
All I really need from this disk is the OS so I can upgrade to Win 10 for free. Then MAYBE the laptop will work with it. I may be barking up the wrong tree if something else is also wrong with the computer, but it worked fine until one day it just would not boot.
Paragon-HDManager-desc-of-the-Toshib.jpg
"All I really need from this disk is the OS so I can upgrade to Win 10 for free." - is it important to keep applications, or can you reinstall those? If you could, install win 10 new. It is possible with just the product key for win7, the newest win10 edition allows that.
You need first four partitions. If you selected them then yes you are heading right direction.
Where are you imaging this drive to? USB drive?
Can't you connect both SSD and this drive simultaneously to the same PC?
Where are you imaging this drive to? USB drive?
Can't you connect both SSD and this drive simultaneously to the same PC?
ASKER
Yes, I have both the old drive (H - with Sonysys) connected to my desktop and I also have the new SSD drive connected, both by USB connections.
I only selected the Sonysys, so I guess I did wrong there.
I stopped that and just opened EaseUS Todo Backup and it tells me there is insufficient disk space on my SSD.
Apparently that application will allow me to wipe part of the H drive.
Should I? Maybe with less on the drive, since it thinks that space is being used (I cannot get any files except system-type files to admit they exist)?
EaseUS-TodoBackup-description-of-Dri.jpg
I only selected the Sonysys, so I guess I did wrong there.
I stopped that and just opened EaseUS Todo Backup and it tells me there is insufficient disk space on my SSD.
Apparently that application will allow me to wipe part of the H drive.
Should I? Maybe with less on the drive, since it thinks that space is being used (I cannot get any files except system-type files to admit they exist)?
EaseUS-TodoBackup-description-of-Dri.jpg
ASKER
Also, I did just fine an unopened box with Windows 7 Home Premium family pack 3x UPGRADE from Vista. I don't suppose there is any way I can use that?
ASKER
I stopped the Paragon application and tried to select the first 4, but I could only select everything (all 6) or just any one.
Should I be on the Home screen and doing the recovery media builder wizard?
Description-of-Toshiba-partitions.jpg
Should I be on the Home screen and doing the recovery media builder wizard?
Description-of-Toshiba-partitions.jpg
You are cutting off the screenshots so that we could not see where they are coming from. Please start Hard Disk Manager in full mode and take full screen shot of your screen and load it here.
Before you do it - dont attempt anything yet.
Before you do it - dont attempt anything yet.
ASKER
Sorry.
I highlighed the Toshiba (failing H) and you can see the new, completely empty Samsung SSD 850 EVO 500G above it.
The Samsung came with software to do this, but it would not work since the failing H is larger.
Paragon-HDManager-full-screen.jpg
I highlighed the Toshiba (failing H) and you can see the new, completely empty Samsung SSD 850 EVO 500G above it.
The Samsung came with software to do this, but it would not work since the failing H is larger.
Paragon-HDManager-full-screen.jpg
Ok, the tool you have is a compact version and does not contain this wizard: https://www.paragon-software.com/technologies/components/migrate-OS-to-SSD/
It allows you to exclude files and folders from C drive during cloning and it moves completely system to SSD drive. Do you waht to give it a try?
It allows you to exclude files and folders from C drive during cloning and it moves completely system to SSD drive. Do you waht to give it a try?
ASKER
I guess for $19.00, I will give it a try!
ASKER
Okay, I have 64-bit on both old and new computers. I guess I just ignore the 3-bit file I downloaded and only use the other two?
ASKER
There is a 256Mb swapfile.sys. Can I "not copy" that or will it be needed? It says there is not enough space.
One copy is enough for you on the machine where the drives are connected to.
Sys files should be copied in any case. Better exclude some data which you can copy easily. What do you have in My Documents - downloads, desktop etc?
Use first windirstat tool or treesize tool to check what is taking most space on C drive (i think it is H now?).
Sys files should be copied in any case. Better exclude some data which you can copy easily. What do you have in My Documents - downloads, desktop etc?
Use first windirstat tool or treesize tool to check what is taking most space on C drive (i think it is H now?).
ASKER
When I have tried to copy or see stuff in My Documents, it says they are no longer there. I am running TreeSize right now, and, although it is still measuring, the only files with anything but 0 bytes are those with system connections. See attached. It is still adding files - to 17.3Gb on H right now.
I will be gone for a few hours. If you are in Germany (I lived in Frankfurt for 2 years in 1972 to 1974), I will catch you tomorrow!
TreeSize-results-on-H.jpg
I will be gone for a few hours. If you are in Germany (I lived in Frankfurt for 2 years in 1972 to 1974), I will catch you tomorrow!
TreeSize-results-on-H.jpg
ASKER
Wow, it is up to 532.5Gb for H. A bunch of pictures are now visible. I will compare them to the files I have elsewhere and hopefully be able to delete them.
>> I am confused as to what the various colors mean. <<
it looks like the green FAT filesystem devices
blue is HDD withNTFS file system
black are unlabeled
i would disconnect all drives not needed for this operation, so keep the C: drive (= boot drive) + the samsung you want to copy to AND the the disk you want to copy from (i assume it is the Toshiba 750 GB drive)
this will lower the probability of selecting a wrong disk or partition
FYI you don't even need the move to SSD from paragon (though it's easy to have)
you just need to check if your system is aligned properly on the new disk
it looks like the green FAT filesystem devices
blue is HDD withNTFS file system
black are unlabeled
i would disconnect all drives not needed for this operation, so keep the C: drive (= boot drive) + the samsung you want to copy to AND the the disk you want to copy from (i assume it is the Toshiba 750 GB drive)
this will lower the probability of selecting a wrong disk or partition
FYI you don't even need the move to SSD from paragon (though it's easy to have)
you just need to check if your system is aligned properly on the new disk
Yep. Either exclude these pictures in Migrate OS to SSD or move them via Windows Explorer to another drive so that you get the used space lower.
Should work after that.
Should work after that.
Skennedy10, how did it go? Have you managed to do what you wanted?
ASKER
I am still trying to copy pictures off the drive. I have multiple cloud servicess, but for some reason I did not have that computer backed up recently.
One positive thing is that these pictures are now available to download and, although slowly, they are getting copied over to a different drive. Before all you have shown me to do, they were not able to be copied. You are a lifesaver!
Once I have the pictures copied, which may take several days at the current rate, I will use the new Paragon application, which seems like it will work, as I was able to see drives, at least.
I'll be back! (and thanks!)
One positive thing is that these pictures are now available to download and, although slowly, they are getting copied over to a different drive. Before all you have shown me to do, they were not able to be copied. You are a lifesaver!
Once I have the pictures copied, which may take several days at the current rate, I will use the new Paragon application, which seems like it will work, as I was able to see drives, at least.
I'll be back! (and thanks!)
>> Once I have the pictures copied, which may take several days << Wow!
about how much GB are we talking here ?
about how much GB are we talking here ?
You are welcome. Let me know if you have questions.
ASKER
I have copied quite a few already, but the current set says 6 hours left (66.3Gb).
This is just one folder. I have found that I have some on other computers/clouds/external HDDs, but I do like to take pictures!
Looking at the listing on TreeSize Free of the folder I am copying, there are only a few folders that have not been copied over to my HDD, only about 5Gb.
None of these were able to be opened originally, so if I don't get the OS, I am very, very thankful!
This is just one folder. I have found that I have some on other computers/clouds/external HDDs, but I do like to take pictures!
Looking at the listing on TreeSize Free of the folder I am copying, there are only a few folders that have not been copied over to my HDD, only about 5Gb.
None of these were able to be opened originally, so if I don't get the OS, I am very, very thankful!
ok - lets hope all turns out well
ASKER
I appreciate everyone's patience, but somehow the drive has continued to allow me to copy files from it. Originally, everything showed 0kb for each file, although they were listed, but now I am able to copy files. I think I am copying the last bit (182Gb) before I try to migrate the OS to the new drive.
I'll keep you posted!
I'll keep you posted!
that's good news - fingers crossed!
ASKER
Okay, I copied and erased what I could think of on the failing HDD and used Paragon Migrate OS to SSD. It said there were only 20 minutes left but I had to leave for the weekend. I let it run, and now, 4 days later, it says there are still almost 9 hours left.
I assume this means something I said to copy was not copying correctly.
What exactly (it asked for which folders to copy) should I be copying?
I assume this means something I said to copy was not copying correctly.
What exactly (it asked for which folders to copy) should I be copying?
I have seen similar behavior and think it has to do something with cloning target disk access.
If you have started migration and it says - 20 minutes left - just open parallel Windows Disk Management via right click on Computer - Manage - Disk Management. Dont stop Migration process.
Then see how the process of migration behaves.
If you have started migration and it says - 20 minutes left - just open parallel Windows Disk Management via right click on Computer - Manage - Disk Management. Dont stop Migration process.
Then see how the process of migration behaves.
what was the size approximately of the system ? c: drive + eventually other partitions?
ASKER
Well, I am back from Spring Break and the still-running application said almost 8 hours, so I told it to stop. I don't know if that was still running somehow, or what was, when the power went out in our house for about 15 minutes. My husband's computer had no problem, but mine would not start again. This is my desktop, which had the C: with Win 7, a 3Tb drive with F and G, the failing Toshiba HDD from the old laptop (H:) and the new Samsung SSD with nothing on it. Even after removing all the other external drives, it would not start, so I am going to have to work on that one before continuing with the OS transfer problem. I may just give up and purchase another copy of Win 10. My new computer has Win 10 and it is okay--certainly easier than Win 8, and my husband's friend had his auto-upgrade to Win 10 and his won't start. If I don't get my desktop up-and-running fairly quickly, I will connect the drives to my laptop and see what I can do. I won't leave you two hanging too long!
I think I was trying the application that came with the Samsung SSD drive for migrating OS when the power went out.
I think I was trying the application that came with the Samsung SSD drive for migrating OS when the power went out.
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ASKER
Hi, It worked! Migrate OS to SSD says it is complete and the SSD drive seems to have the files.
I have not abandoned this. My son had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance and was there for 3 days, so I have been out-of-touch while caring for his two young children (single parent).
I hope to be back at my house and try the SSD in the original computer.
I tried to see if that drive would operate on this Win 10 computer, but I was not able to get it to change to that drive for the boot. Hopefully I will be back and trying it tonight.
I have not abandoned this. My son had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance and was there for 3 days, so I have been out-of-touch while caring for his two young children (single parent).
I hope to be back at my house and try the SSD in the original computer.
I tried to see if that drive would operate on this Win 10 computer, but I was not able to get it to change to that drive for the boot. Hopefully I will be back and trying it tonight.
Take your time. If the system was bootable and transferred then it should be bootable. Sure if the drive is either a first booting drive or a single drive in PC.
ASKER
Okay, let's finalize this thread.
I was able to copy the OS to the SSD drive, I think. I was not able to figure out how to get my new Win 10 computer to change drive order, and that's where I tried to see if it would run another computer. I have others, and I will try that once I have more time. Looking at the files, it looked like what was on the original failing HDD.
I put the new drive into my failing Vaio laptop and it turned on but would not recognize any OS. Nothing came up on the screen at all. I was going to try a CD, but the CD drive came out, as I had not put in the screws. There could be something else wrong with it, but the HDD was very slow and at first would not let me do anything with the files on it. There is still hope....
I think the original request was satisfied, and I appreciate the comments of everyone. Noxcho gets the points, though, as he really kept up and got me through the process. Paragon's Migrate OS to SSD was very easy to understand. Now all I need is a computer that will use my SSD! I have some other old laptops around, so I will try one of them after I have satisfied Uncle Sam (taxes need to be figured)!
Thanks!
I was able to copy the OS to the SSD drive, I think. I was not able to figure out how to get my new Win 10 computer to change drive order, and that's where I tried to see if it would run another computer. I have others, and I will try that once I have more time. Looking at the files, it looked like what was on the original failing HDD.
I put the new drive into my failing Vaio laptop and it turned on but would not recognize any OS. Nothing came up on the screen at all. I was going to try a CD, but the CD drive came out, as I had not put in the screws. There could be something else wrong with it, but the HDD was very slow and at first would not let me do anything with the files on it. There is still hope....
I think the original request was satisfied, and I appreciate the comments of everyone. Noxcho gets the points, though, as he really kept up and got me through the process. Paragon's Migrate OS to SSD was very easy to understand. Now all I need is a computer that will use my SSD! I have some other old laptops around, so I will try one of them after I have satisfied Uncle Sam (taxes need to be figured)!
Thanks!
ASKER
Thanks for your patience, Noxcho! You are a good teacher!
You are welcome! Let me know if further help is needed.
Take care.
Noxcho
Take care.
Noxcho
With it you can transfer the OS to SSD drive and if the SSD drive is small for system partition then you can exclude some data easily via program interface.