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albert prano

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Clone OS to SSD

My desktop PC has a physical HD which is partitioned into 3 drives (C, D, Z). C contains the Windows 7 (home premium) OS and all software programs.  D has the Recovery.  Z contains all my data files.

For performance improvement, I am purchasing an SSD. I would like to transfer OS and programs (the entire C drive) to the SSD, while leaving my data files (Z) where they are on the original HD.

Is this achievable using cloning software?  I ask because I have read somewhere that it may not be possible to only clone the OS/programs - that I may have to clone the entire contents of the physical Drive - although what I read does not necessarily match my particular scenario with the partitions.  Your guidance is appreciated.
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Gary Case
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AOMEI

Best software to backup/restore/clone hard drive.
it has SSD optimalization

http://www.backup-utility.com/
Paragon has a migration tool which has been made exactly for this type of action:

https://www.paragon-software.com/home/migrate-OS-to-SSD/
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albert prano

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thanks!
The drive partitions (c, d and z) do not include the basic MBR of the Disk itself.  The MBR is critical when cloning to the SSD, because it defines how to reach the boot partition.   So just cloning the C partition will not result in a bootable drive.  Many backup/imaging programs don't include the MBR, unless you select the entire disk.  

If the SSD comes with software to handle this then try that.  Otherwise...

I would say your safest approach (assuming the SSD is big enough) would be to clone the entire disk, then use a partition manager (like mini tool partition wizard) to delete and resize the partitions on the SSD and assign drive letters (like Z:) to the old hard drive partitions.  

Some imagers like paragon backup 2013 let you select the entire disk, then uncheck the partitions you don't want, but still  include the MBR stuff.   Notably paragon is one of the few that may accommodate going from a larger disk to a smaller disk.  If the target drive is smaller, it will try to fit the partitions to the smaller drive.  In that case, for Windows 7 and later, I would keep the windows hidden partition the same size, if it exists.  (usually its only about 100Mb).  

Both Paragon 2013 and mini tool partition wizard will let you create standalone boot CDs to run them.  That may be useful as well.  

https://www.paragon-software.com/home/br-free/

https://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html