Swapping out hard drive for SSD
I purchased a new SSD hard drive (Samsung 860 Evo) and will be installing it in the next day or two. I have watched some videos on this and it looks very easy. I have replaced older style hard drives before, but not with an SSD. The ones I have replaced were not working correctly, whereas this install is replacing just for speed.
My only concern is how to get the new SSD hard drive to be the main one that runs windows and the computer operates on. I also want to be sure all of my data transfers over successfully.
Currently, I have two hard drives installed. The main one and then the secondary that is used for extra storage. Should I take out my storage hard drive and put the SSD there and then configure the computer to use the SSD hard drive as the main one? If so, how? If not, what should I do?
Any tips?
Edit:
I am not just looking to find the software to do this, but the entire process. How would I clone this when I have two hard drive slots and they are both currently filled. When I do complete the clone, would I need to change the hard drive boot order?
Also, will I have any issues with Windows 10 using the new SSD hard drive to boot?
windows-10 hard-drive ssd
asked Dec 23 '18 at 2:38
PaulPaul
1015
add a comment |
I purchased a new SSD hard drive (Samsung 860 Evo) and will be installing it in the next day or two. I have watched some videos on this and it looks very easy. I have replaced older style hard drives before, but not with an SSD. The ones I have replaced were not working correctly, whereas this install is replacing just for speed.
My only concern is how to get the new SSD hard drive to be the main one that runs windows and the computer operates on. I also want to be sure all of my data transfers over successfully.
Currently, I have two hard drives installed. The main one and then the secondary that is used for extra storage. Should I take out my storage hard drive and put the SSD there and then configure the computer to use the SSD hard drive as the main one? If so, how? If not, what should I do?
Any tips?
Edit:
I am not just looking to find the software to do this, but the entire process. How would I clone this when I have two hard drive slots and they are both currently filled. When I do complete the clone, would I need to change the hard drive boot order?
Also, will I have any issues with Windows 10 using the new SSD hard drive to boot?
windows-10 hard-drive ssd
asked Dec 23 '18 at 2:38
PaulPaul
1015
2
What do you want to do? Transfer your OS drive to the SSD and continue using the second hard drive for data? Transfer both HDs to the SSD? Or transfer just the data HD to the SSD and keep the OS on the HD? Unless it’s a very large SSD, most people would clone the OS hard drive to the SSD and then remove the OS HD and plugin the SSD instead. They would keep the HDD for data. This is done utilizing a disk cloning tool like Acronis or Macrium Reflect, etc.
– Appleoddity
Dec 23 '18 at 3:14
Without a more specific question, this seems really broad & opinion-based now... (almost like "I found a hammer, what do I do with it?")
– Xen2050
Dec 23 '18 at 3:59
Possible duplicate of Free way to clone HDD to SSD?
– harrymc
Dec 23 '18 at 10:24
@Appleoddity I am wanting to clone the OS hard drive to the SSD. I can keep the HDD for data. I don't know the process and order of how I do this and ultimately get the OS back on the hard drive.
– Paul
Dec 23 '18 at 14:26
add a comment |
I purchased a new SSD hard drive (Samsung 860 Evo) and will be installing it in the next day or two. I have watched some videos on this and it looks very easy. I have replaced older style hard drives before, but not with an SSD. The ones I have replaced were not working correctly, whereas this install is replacing just for speed.
My only concern is how to get the new SSD hard drive to be the main one that runs windows and the computer operates on. I also want to be sure all of my data transfers over successfully.
Currently, I have two hard drives installed. The main one and then the secondary that is used for extra storage. Should I take out my storage hard drive and put the SSD there and then configure the computer to use the SSD hard drive as the main one? If so, how? If not, what should I do?
Any tips?
Edit:
I am not just looking to find the software to do this, but the entire process. How would I clone this when I have two hard drive slots and they are both currently filled. When I do complete the clone, would I need to change the hard drive boot order?
Also, will I have any issues with Windows 10 using the new SSD hard drive to boot?
windows-10 hard-drive ssd
asked Dec 23 '18 at 2:38
PaulPaul
1015
I purchased a new SSD hard drive (Samsung 860 Evo) and will be installing it in the next day or two. I have watched some videos on this and it looks very easy. I have replaced older style hard drives before, but not with an SSD. The ones I have replaced were not working correctly, whereas this install is replacing just for speed.
My only concern is how to get the new SSD hard drive to be the main one that runs windows and the computer operates on. I also want to be sure all of my data transfers over successfully.
Currently, I have two hard drives installed. The main one and then the secondary that is used for extra storage. Should I take out my storage hard drive and put the SSD there and then configure the computer to use the SSD hard drive as the main one? If so, how? If not, what should I do?
Any tips?
Edit:
I am not just looking to find the software to do this, but the entire process. How would I clone this when I have two hard drive slots and they are both currently filled. When I do complete the clone, would I need to change the hard drive boot order?
Also, will I have any issues with Windows 10 using the new SSD hard drive to boot?
windows-10 hard-drive ssd
windows-10 hard-drive ssd
asked Dec 23 '18 at 2:38
PaulPaul
1015
asked Dec 23 '18 at 2:38
PaulPaul
1015
edited Dec 23 '18 at 14:51
Paul
asked Dec 23 '18 at 2:38
PaulPaul
1015
asked Dec 23 '18 at 2:38
PaulPaul
1015
asked Dec 23 '18 at 2:38
PaulPaul
1015
1015
2
What do you want to do? Transfer your OS drive to the SSD and continue using the second hard drive for data? Transfer both HDs to the SSD? Or transfer just the data HD to the SSD and keep the OS on the HD? Unless it’s a very large SSD, most people would clone the OS hard drive to the SSD and then remove the OS HD and plugin the SSD instead. They would keep the HDD for data. This is done utilizing a disk cloning tool like Acronis or Macrium Reflect, etc.
– Appleoddity
Dec 23 '18 at 3:14
Without a more specific question, this seems really broad & opinion-based now... (almost like "I found a hammer, what do I do with it?")
– Xen2050
Dec 23 '18 at 3:59
Possible duplicate of Free way to clone HDD to SSD?
– harrymc
Dec 23 '18 at 10:24
@Appleoddity I am wanting to clone the OS hard drive to the SSD. I can keep the HDD for data. I don't know the process and order of how I do this and ultimately get the OS back on the hard drive.
– Paul
Dec 23 '18 at 14:26
add a comment |
2
What do you want to do? Transfer your OS drive to the SSD and continue using the second hard drive for data? Transfer both HDs to the SSD? Or transfer just the data HD to the SSD and keep the OS on the HD? Unless it’s a very large SSD, most people would clone the OS hard drive to the SSD and then remove the OS HD and plugin the SSD instead. They would keep the HDD for data. This is done utilizing a disk cloning tool like Acronis or Macrium Reflect, etc.
– Appleoddity
Dec 23 '18 at 3:14
Without a more specific question, this seems really broad & opinion-based now... (almost like "I found a hammer, what do I do with it?")
– Xen2050
Dec 23 '18 at 3:59
Possible duplicate of Free way to clone HDD to SSD?
– harrymc
Dec 23 '18 at 10:24
@Appleoddity I am wanting to clone the OS hard drive to the SSD. I can keep the HDD for data. I don't know the process and order of how I do this and ultimately get the OS back on the hard drive.
– Paul
Dec 23 '18 at 14:26
2
2
What do you want to do? Transfer your OS drive to the SSD and continue using the second hard drive for data? Transfer both HDs to the SSD? Or transfer just the data HD to the SSD and keep the OS on the HD? Unless it’s a very large SSD, most people would clone the OS hard drive to the SSD and then remove the OS HD and plugin the SSD instead. They would keep the HDD for data. This is done utilizing a disk cloning tool like Acronis or Macrium Reflect, etc.
– Appleoddity
Dec 23 '18 at 3:14
What do you want to do? Transfer your OS drive to the SSD and continue using the second hard drive for data? Transfer both HDs to the SSD? Or transfer just the data HD to the SSD and keep the OS on the HD? Unless it’s a very large SSD, most people would clone the OS hard drive to the SSD and then remove the OS HD and plugin the SSD instead. They would keep the HDD for data. This is done utilizing a disk cloning tool like Acronis or Macrium Reflect, etc.
– Appleoddity
Dec 23 '18 at 3:14
Without a more specific question, this seems really broad & opinion-based now... (almost like "I found a hammer, what do I do with it?")
– Xen2050
Dec 23 '18 at 3:59
Without a more specific question, this seems really broad & opinion-based now... (almost like "I found a hammer, what do I do with it?")
– Xen2050
Dec 23 '18 at 3:59
Possible duplicate of Free way to clone HDD to SSD?
– harrymc
Dec 23 '18 at 10:24
Possible duplicate of Free way to clone HDD to SSD?
– harrymc
Dec 23 '18 at 10:24
@Appleoddity I am wanting to clone the OS hard drive to the SSD. I can keep the HDD for data. I don't know the process and order of how I do this and ultimately get the OS back on the hard drive.
– Paul
Dec 23 '18 at 14:26
@Appleoddity I am wanting to clone the OS hard drive to the SSD. I can keep the HDD for data. I don't know the process and order of how I do this and ultimately get the OS back on the hard drive.
– Paul
Dec 23 '18 at 14:26
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
active
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There is nothing special when replacing an HDD by an SSD. It is the same process as replacing an HDD by another HDD.
The crucial point is that you use a reliable software and a robust process for cloning. Although it is possible to clone the boot HDD from within the running O/S, and although I have done this many times without any issues, I nowadays usually boot from a Linux CD or USB stick and clone the drive in question using dd or similar tools.
Afterwards, just unplug your HDD, plug in your SSD, and the OS will boot (unless your BIOS hasn't recognized the replacement, in which case you have to re-tell the BIOS from which drive it should boot).
It is always a good idea to unplug all drives which are not immediately involved in the cloning process, even if you have enough spare power and data cables in your PC. Once upon a time, I had chosen the wrong HDD as destination drive in a clone process, which was when I have learned that lesson once and forever.
The special thing about SSDs is that there is one thing which you should do after cloning, i.e. when the O/S already runs from the new SSD: Check if the O/S has really recognized the SSD as SSD (and not as HDD) and if it is actually using the TRIM command (to learn about it, google for: [Windows|Linux|...] check if trim enabled).
Furthermore, there might be issues with SSDs if you use drive encryption, but this wasn't part of your question.
answered Dec 23 '18 at 9:25
BinarusBinarus
35817
The actual install part doesn't intimidate me. Figuring out how to do the clone and then getting this clone on the SSD is what I was trying to more or less ask. How and what do I do.
– Paul
Dec 23 '18 at 14:31
I see. From reading your question the first time, I had got the impression that you had already cloned from HDD to HDD, and that your concerns are purely SSD related. Sorry for misunderstanding. I'll eventually change my answer accordingly.
– Binarus
Dec 23 '18 at 20:42
add a comment |
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1 Answer
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There is nothing special when replacing an HDD by an SSD. It is the same process as replacing an HDD by another HDD.
The crucial point is that you use a reliable software and a robust process for cloning. Although it is possible to clone the boot HDD from within the running O/S, and although I have done this many times without any issues, I nowadays usually boot from a Linux CD or USB stick and clone the drive in question using dd or similar tools.
Afterwards, just unplug your HDD, plug in your SSD, and the OS will boot (unless your BIOS hasn't recognized the replacement, in which case you have to re-tell the BIOS from which drive it should boot).
It is always a good idea to unplug all drives which are not immediately involved in the cloning process, even if you have enough spare power and data cables in your PC. Once upon a time, I had chosen the wrong HDD as destination drive in a clone process, which was when I have learned that lesson once and forever.
The special thing about SSDs is that there is one thing which you should do after cloning, i.e. when the O/S already runs from the new SSD: Check if the O/S has really recognized the SSD as SSD (and not as HDD) and if it is actually using the TRIM command (to learn about it, google for: [Windows|Linux|...] check if trim enabled).
Furthermore, there might be issues with SSDs if you use drive encryption, but this wasn't part of your question.
answered Dec 23 '18 at 9:25
BinarusBinarus
35817
The actual install part doesn't intimidate me. Figuring out how to do the clone and then getting this clone on the SSD is what I was trying to more or less ask. How and what do I do.
– Paul
Dec 23 '18 at 14:31
I see. From reading your question the first time, I had got the impression that you had already cloned from HDD to HDD, and that your concerns are purely SSD related. Sorry for misunderstanding. I'll eventually change my answer accordingly.
– Binarus
Dec 23 '18 at 20:42
add a comment |
There is nothing special when replacing an HDD by an SSD. It is the same process as replacing an HDD by another HDD.
The crucial point is that you use a reliable software and a robust process for cloning. Although it is possible to clone the boot HDD from within the running O/S, and although I have done this many times without any issues, I nowadays usually boot from a Linux CD or USB stick and clone the drive in question using dd or similar tools.
Afterwards, just unplug your HDD, plug in your SSD, and the OS will boot (unless your BIOS hasn't recognized the replacement, in which case you have to re-tell the BIOS from which drive it should boot).
It is always a good idea to unplug all drives which are not immediately involved in the cloning process, even if you have enough spare power and data cables in your PC. Once upon a time, I had chosen the wrong HDD as destination drive in a clone process, which was when I have learned that lesson once and forever.
The special thing about SSDs is that there is one thing which you should do after cloning, i.e. when the O/S already runs from the new SSD: Check if the O/S has really recognized the SSD as SSD (and not as HDD) and if it is actually using the TRIM command (to learn about it, google for: [Windows|Linux|...] check if trim enabled).
Furthermore, there might be issues with SSDs if you use drive encryption, but this wasn't part of your question.
answered Dec 23 '18 at 9:25
BinarusBinarus
35817
The actual install part doesn't intimidate me. Figuring out how to do the clone and then getting this clone on the SSD is what I was trying to more or less ask. How and what do I do.
– Paul
Dec 23 '18 at 14:31
I see. From reading your question the first time, I had got the impression that you had already cloned from HDD to HDD, and that your concerns are purely SSD related. Sorry for misunderstanding. I'll eventually change my answer accordingly.
– Binarus
Dec 23 '18 at 20:42
add a comment |
There is nothing special when replacing an HDD by an SSD. It is the same process as replacing an HDD by another HDD.
The crucial point is that you use a reliable software and a robust process for cloning. Although it is possible to clone the boot HDD from within the running O/S, and although I have done this many times without any issues, I nowadays usually boot from a Linux CD or USB stick and clone the drive in question using dd or similar tools.
Afterwards, just unplug your HDD, plug in your SSD, and the OS will boot (unless your BIOS hasn't recognized the replacement, in which case you have to re-tell the BIOS from which drive it should boot).
It is always a good idea to unplug all drives which are not immediately involved in the cloning process, even if you have enough spare power and data cables in your PC. Once upon a time, I had chosen the wrong HDD as destination drive in a clone process, which was when I have learned that lesson once and forever.
The special thing about SSDs is that there is one thing which you should do after cloning, i.e. when the O/S already runs from the new SSD: Check if the O/S has really recognized the SSD as SSD (and not as HDD) and if it is actually using the TRIM command (to learn about it, google for: [Windows|Linux|...] check if trim enabled).
Furthermore, there might be issues with SSDs if you use drive encryption, but this wasn't part of your question.
answered Dec 23 '18 at 9:25
BinarusBinarus
35817
There is nothing special when replacing an HDD by an SSD. It is the same process as replacing an HDD by another HDD.
The crucial point is that you use a reliable software and a robust process for cloning. Although it is possible to clone the boot HDD from within the running O/S, and although I have done this many times without any issues, I nowadays usually boot from a Linux CD or USB stick and clone the drive in question using dd or similar tools.
Afterwards, just unplug your HDD, plug in your SSD, and the OS will boot (unless your BIOS hasn't recognized the replacement, in which case you have to re-tell the BIOS from which drive it should boot).
It is always a good idea to unplug all drives which are not immediately involved in the cloning process, even if you have enough spare power and data cables in your PC. Once upon a time, I had chosen the wrong HDD as destination drive in a clone process, which was when I have learned that lesson once and forever.
The special thing about SSDs is that there is one thing which you should do after cloning, i.e. when the O/S already runs from the new SSD: Check if the O/S has really recognized the SSD as SSD (and not as HDD) and if it is actually using the TRIM command (to learn about it, google for: [Windows|Linux|...] check if trim enabled).
Furthermore, there might be issues with SSDs if you use drive encryption, but this wasn't part of your question.
answered Dec 23 '18 at 9:25
BinarusBinarus
35817
edited Dec 23 '18 at 9:30
answered Dec 23 '18 at 9:25
BinarusBinarus
35817
answered Dec 23 '18 at 9:25
BinarusBinarus
35817
answered Dec 23 '18 at 9:25
BinarusBinarus
35817
35817
The actual install part doesn't intimidate me. Figuring out how to do the clone and then getting this clone on the SSD is what I was trying to more or less ask. How and what do I do.
– Paul
Dec 23 '18 at 14:31
I see. From reading your question the first time, I had got the impression that you had already cloned from HDD to HDD, and that your concerns are purely SSD related. Sorry for misunderstanding. I'll eventually change my answer accordingly.
– Binarus
Dec 23 '18 at 20:42
add a comment |
The actual install part doesn't intimidate me. Figuring out how to do the clone and then getting this clone on the SSD is what I was trying to more or less ask. How and what do I do.
– Paul
Dec 23 '18 at 14:31
I see. From reading your question the first time, I had got the impression that you had already cloned from HDD to HDD, and that your concerns are purely SSD related. Sorry for misunderstanding. I'll eventually change my answer accordingly.
– Binarus
Dec 23 '18 at 20:42
The actual install part doesn't intimidate me. Figuring out how to do the clone and then getting this clone on the SSD is what I was trying to more or less ask. How and what do I do.
– Paul
Dec 23 '18 at 14:31
The actual install part doesn't intimidate me. Figuring out how to do the clone and then getting this clone on the SSD is what I was trying to more or less ask. How and what do I do.
– Paul
Dec 23 '18 at 14:31
I see. From reading your question the first time, I had got the impression that you had already cloned from HDD to HDD, and that your concerns are purely SSD related. Sorry for misunderstanding. I'll eventually change my answer accordingly.
– Binarus
Dec 23 '18 at 20:42
I see. From reading your question the first time, I had got the impression that you had already cloned from HDD to HDD, and that your concerns are purely SSD related. Sorry for misunderstanding. I'll eventually change my answer accordingly.
– Binarus
Dec 23 '18 at 20:42
add a comment |
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2
What do you want to do? Transfer your OS drive to the SSD and continue using the second hard drive for data? Transfer both HDs to the SSD? Or transfer just the data HD to the SSD and keep the OS on the HD? Unless it’s a very large SSD, most people would clone the OS hard drive to the SSD and then remove the OS HD and plugin the SSD instead. They would keep the HDD for data. This is done utilizing a disk cloning tool like Acronis or Macrium Reflect, etc.
– Appleoddity
Dec 23 '18 at 3:14
Without a more specific question, this seems really broad & opinion-based now... (almost like "I found a hammer, what do I do with it?")
– Xen2050
Dec 23 '18 at 3:59
Possible duplicate of Free way to clone HDD to SSD?
– harrymc
Dec 23 '18 at 10:24
@Appleoddity I am wanting to clone the OS hard drive to the SSD. I can keep the HDD for data. I don't know the process and order of how I do this and ultimately get the OS back on the hard drive.
– Paul
Dec 23 '18 at 14:26