eventually I'm going to get a SSD, right now I have one main drive a 7200 rpm wd hard drive.
when i eventually get my SSD, what would be involved in moving my OS and programs to the SSD? is it a simple click and move?
is there a tutorial somewhere?
thanks
when i eventually get my SSD, what would be involved in moving my OS and programs to the SSD? is it a simple click and move?
is there a tutorial somewhere?
thanks
Short of exporting your registry, your user profiles, and the rest of your non windows folders. I cannot think of any other way to do it.
You can clone directly from HD to SSD using the excellent free Acronis programs available if either of the drives are WD or Seagate. Those programs also have imaging options so you save the image first to external or another HD, then unplug the Source HD to reimage to the SSD using Boot Disk.
http://support.wdc.com/product/downl...l.asp?swid=119
http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/sup...ads/discwizard
Win7 has its own built-in backup imaging program: Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
Many prefer Macrium Reflect as an alternative free imaging program. http://download.cnet.com/Macrium-Ref...=dl&tag=button
I would personally run the free Acronis cloning program on Auto setting as it is real easy and works well. Be sure to include the MBR and Track0 it it asks.
http://support.wdc.com/product/downl...l.asp?swid=119
http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/sup...ads/discwizard
Win7 has its own built-in backup imaging program: Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
Many prefer Macrium Reflect as an alternative free imaging program. http://download.cnet.com/Macrium-Ref...=dl&tag=button
I would personally run the free Acronis cloning program on Auto setting as it is real easy and works well. Be sure to include the MBR and Track0 it it asks.
Very true greg. I always forget about ghosting...
There might be an easier way, quite similar in nature to what has been suggested above. Just that this is what I actually did to install my SSD with a Windows 7 OS image a few months ago, using Windows all the way.
After prepping my SSD with new Firmware, etc., I shrank my C partition (running Windows 7 Ultimate to my satisfaction) to a partition size about 10% under the available (accessible) drive size of my new SSD, then created an image of the C Drive (OS partition) using the Windows 7 backup. Windows saved this, my current System's image, in a second installed HDD on my pc.
Then disconnected my current C drive, plugged in my new SSD, and restarted the computer into the Windows 7 repair DVD, and rebuilt and mounted the Windows 7 OS backup image into my new SSD, and presto.
Has been working perfectly ever since.
Hope this helps.
After prepping my SSD with new Firmware, etc., I shrank my C partition (running Windows 7 Ultimate to my satisfaction) to a partition size about 10% under the available (accessible) drive size of my new SSD, then created an image of the C Drive (OS partition) using the Windows 7 backup. Windows saved this, my current System's image, in a second installed HDD on my pc.
Then disconnected my current C drive, plugged in my new SSD, and restarted the computer into the Windows 7 repair DVD, and rebuilt and mounted the Windows 7 OS backup image into my new SSD, and presto.
Has been working perfectly ever since.
Hope this helps.
would the built-in "windows easy transfer" work?
Windows easy transfer will migrate only the user files and program settings to a New OS install all programs would need to be re-installed.
Elf...
I did the exact thing back in May. After weeks of thinking, and planning it turned out to be as simple as using the software, in this case Acronis True Image 10, that came with the hard drive(Kingston).
Clean and defrag your OS drive.
Have a connected back up and system image drive. and make one just before final shutdown before adding the new drive.
NOTE: make sure the partition you're cloning is the same or smaller size than ssd drive your cloning to.
Connect the new drive, and make sure you can identify it.
Make sure your bios is set to boot from cd/dvd drive first.
Put the acronis disc in and reboot.
follow the directions in the software.
After its done, when rebooting, go into bios and change the boot drive to the ssd.
reboot and enjoy your old, but now faster, OS on a new drive.
Click on the ssdnow software installation link:
Kingston Technology Company - SSDNow - Learn More
I did the exact thing back in May. After weeks of thinking, and planning it turned out to be as simple as using the software, in this case Acronis True Image 10, that came with the hard drive(Kingston).
Clean and defrag your OS drive.
Have a connected back up and system image drive. and make one just before final shutdown before adding the new drive.
NOTE: make sure the partition you're cloning is the same or smaller size than ssd drive your cloning to.
Connect the new drive, and make sure you can identify it.
Make sure your bios is set to boot from cd/dvd drive first.
Put the acronis disc in and reboot.
follow the directions in the software.
After its done, when rebooting, go into bios and change the boot drive to the ssd.
reboot and enjoy your old, but now faster, OS on a new drive.
Click on the ssdnow software installation link:
Kingston Technology Company - SSDNow - Learn More
You have 2 options:
1. Either do like ProfQ has described and use imaging. That requires that you first adjust your current C to a size that is slightly smaller than the SSD. Imaging cannot "squeeze" e.g. an image of a 100GB partition to a 60GB SSD. For that I would use Macrium: Imaging with free Macrium
2. Cloning can "squeeze" and move the clone to a smaller SSD. Here I would use free Acronis (there are also a lot of Pro (paid) versions of other programs that can do that). Acronis True Image Home - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
1. Either do like ProfQ has described and use imaging. That requires that you first adjust your current C to a size that is slightly smaller than the SSD. Imaging cannot "squeeze" e.g. an image of a 100GB partition to a 60GB SSD. For that I would use Macrium: Imaging with free Macrium
2. Cloning can "squeeze" and move the clone to a smaller SSD. Here I would use free Acronis (there are also a lot of Pro (paid) versions of other programs that can do that). Acronis True Image Home - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
�� Quote: Originally Posted by whs 
You have 2 options:
1. Either do like ProfQ has described and use imaging. That requires that you first adjust your current C to a size that is slightly smaller than the SSD. Imaging cannot "squeeze" e.g. an image of a 100GB partition to a 60GB SSD. For that I would use Macrium: Imaging with free Macrium
2. Cloning can "squeeze" and move the clone to a smaller SSD. Here I would use free Acronis (there are also a lot of Pro (paid) versions of other programs that can do that). Acronis True Image Home - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
1. Either do like ProfQ has described and use imaging. That requires that you first adjust your current C to a size that is slightly smaller than the SSD. Imaging cannot "squeeze" e.g. an image of a 100GB partition to a 60GB SSD. For that I would use Macrium: Imaging with free Macrium
2. Cloning can "squeeze" and move the clone to a smaller SSD. Here I would use free Acronis (there are also a lot of Pro (paid) versions of other programs that can do that). Acronis True Image Home - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
Your post reminded me I should mention software I used for my SSD install/migration
For both HD and SSD partition sizing I used partition wizard home edition- a free software
For the SSD I only used the windows image and then benchmarked it.
Did try Acronis first, since I've had some experience w it, but failed twice
So used above simple imaging and never looked back.
ok, so i ended up getting a x-25m for christmas and i was wondering if you guys ever came to a concensus about the best way to go about this.
acronis can clone the C: partition onto my new drive, and then i just boot from that drive and wipe the C: partition from my old spinner? or am i missing something?
acronis can clone the C: partition onto my new drive, and then i just boot from that drive and wipe the C: partition from my old spinner? or am i missing something?
I tried out the Paragon Migration Tool yesterday to move Win7 from a HDD to a SSD. It worked flawlessly and is super easy to operate. It transported the 100MB partition automatically and made the alignment. For the $20 you pay for it, it is worth having. I could have done it with the free tools, but I like my creature comforts.
I'd try cloning using Acronis in Auto mode to adjust to size differentials if any.
After cloning, unplug the source HD and try booting the clone after setting it as first HD to boot (after DVD) in BIOS setup.
If it fails to boot, make sure (if you have it) the 100mb Sys Reserved or Win 7 partition are marked Active, boot the Win7 DVD Repair console or Repair CD to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times with reboots to repair or write the MBR until it starts. Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times
After cloning, unplug the source HD and try booting the clone after setting it as first HD to boot (after DVD) in BIOS setup.
If it fails to boot, make sure (if you have it) the 100mb Sys Reserved or Win 7 partition are marked Active, boot the Win7 DVD Repair console or Repair CD to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times with reboots to repair or write the MBR until it starts. Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times
I don't know what Acronis app or version you have, but if you have a WD or Seagate somewhere in your PC, you can get the free Acronis version from those drive manufacturers.
I looked at mine the other day and it looks like "cloning" is included. This free Acronis version might be more recent or capable than whatever paid Acronis you might have now?
Cloning bypasses the complexity of imaging and would be my first choice, barring evidence to the contrary. I don't have an SSD now, but likely will within 6 months, so I am trying to stay on top of this question.
I looked at mine the other day and it looks like "cloning" is included. This free Acronis version might be more recent or capable than whatever paid Acronis you might have now?
Cloning bypasses the complexity of imaging and would be my first choice, barring evidence to the contrary. I don't have an SSD now, but likely will within 6 months, so I am trying to stay on top of this question.
i have a wd caviar black in my machine now which i use.. where do i get the acronis free version?
edit: i will also want to remove the C: partition from my wd caviar black and add it to another partition on my drive.. acronis can easily accomplish this once i am running off of the ssd correct? even if the partition is to the left in the disk management screen?
edit: i will also want to remove the C: partition from my wd caviar black and add it to another partition on my drive.. acronis can easily accomplish this once i am running off of the ssd correct? even if the partition is to the left in the disk management screen?
�� Quote: Originally Posted by DirtyElf i have a wd caviar black in my machine now which i use.. where do i get the acronis free version?
edit: i will also want to remove the C: partition from my wd caviar black and add it to another partition on my drive.. acronis can easily accomplish this once i am running off of the ssd correct? even if the partition is to the left in the disk management screen?
edit: i will also want to remove the C: partition from my wd caviar black and add it to another partition on my drive.. acronis can easily accomplish this once i am running off of the ssd correct? even if the partition is to the left in the disk management screen?
WD Support
Assuming you are moving your operating system to the SSD, I would get the SSD up and running first.
You can remove partitions on the Caviar black with Disk Management, but it won't expand a partition to the left into unallocated space.
Normally, C is to the left, so if you deleted it, the unallocated space would be to the left in disk management, as you imply.
I don't think Acronis True Image or the WD is the tool for expanding partitions.
Look at Paragon products or Partition Wizard, the free editions. There may be others?
I thought you were referring to the Acronis free cloning/imaging app linked earlier in the thread.
To Move a partition on your System, use free Partition Wizard bootable CD: Free Download Magic Partition Manager Software - Partition Wizard Online
Or use Acronis imaging to backup the partition, then reimage it to the target partition.
To Move a partition on your System, use free Partition Wizard bootable CD: Free Download Magic Partition Manager Software - Partition Wizard Online
Or use Acronis imaging to backup the partition, then reimage it to the target partition.
im not so worried about the extra 100 gigs of space on my 1 tb drive, i can extend the "left" partition later.. i just want to get the OS up and running on the SSD
I think Acronis' free WD app will let you clone just your OS partition to whatever space you select on the target HD. You would manually set up cloning instead of choosing Auto in that case.
If not, once cloned you can Move the unneeded partition elsewhere using free Partition Wizard CD, delete the original, then Resize the adjacent partition into the space.
Save the source HD until it is all set up and running perfectly then you can plug it in a wipe it using Diskpart from elevated Command Line: Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command
If not, once cloned you can Move the unneeded partition elsewhere using free Partition Wizard CD, delete the original, then Resize the adjacent partition into the space.
Save the source HD until it is all set up and running perfectly then you can plug it in a wipe it using Diskpart from elevated Command Line: Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command
Here are the 2 menu choices in WD Acronis for cloning.
The first is auto. The second is manual. Note the different wording.
I went 2 steps beyond these screens. You choose the source at the first step and the destination at the second step.
Neither of those steps said anything about "partitions". The choices were about "disks".
I can only assume that the manual choice lets you specify particular partitions at step 3 or 4 and that you are NOT restricted to cloning an entire drive, as opposed to a partition.
Any confirmation on this?
The first is auto. The second is manual. Note the different wording.
I went 2 steps beyond these screens. You choose the source at the first step and the destination at the second step.
Neither of those steps said anything about "partitions". The choices were about "disks".
I can only assume that the manual choice lets you specify particular partitions at step 3 or 4 and that you are NOT restricted to cloning an entire drive, as opposed to a partition.
Any confirmation on this?
If you read just below the choice for "Manual" it explains it allows you to repartition and transfer only what you want at the same time.
However I haven't used Manual mode yet, so it would be good to hear back how well it works.
In this case, it might even allow OP to clone only his OS partition to the entire SSD or at least into first position as desired. Then I'd try a second cloning operation to move the data partition to space created on the separate HD using Manual mode or pre-shrunk using Disk Mgmt or Partition Wizard CD.
However I haven't used Manual mode yet, so it would be good to hear back how well it works.
In this case, it might even allow OP to clone only his OS partition to the entire SSD or at least into first position as desired. Then I'd try a second cloning operation to move the data partition to space created on the separate HD using Manual mode or pre-shrunk using Disk Mgmt or Partition Wizard CD.
it seems like i will need to use the manual clone to move only my OS partition to the SSD (the whole 1tb drive wont fit on my 120 gb ssd)
then boot to the ssd, and use acronis to repartition the old drive
i am not with my computer now, im trying to get the process down for when i get back
then boot to the ssd, and use acronis to repartition the old drive
i am not with my computer now, im trying to get the process down for when i get back
�� Quote: Originally Posted by DirtyElf it seems like i will need to use the manual clone to move only my OS partition to the SSD (the whole 1tb drive wont fit on my 120 gb ssd)
then boot to the ssd, and use acronis to repartition the old drive
i am not with my computer now, im trying to get the process down for when i get back
then boot to the ssd, and use acronis to repartition the old drive
i am not with my computer now, im trying to get the process down for when i get back
1. Align the SSD and define a partition
2. Make sure your data fits on the SSD
3. Shrink your current OS partition to equal or less than the SSD size (for some imaging programs)
4. Rebuild the MBR if your current configuration has the 100MB active partition
5. Mark the new partition on the SSD as active
6. Change the BIOS boot sequence (if you have the old system still in the box)
7. Disconnect all HDDs when you put the image on the SSD
I may have forgotten a few things. But if you want to make your life easy, use this program. I used it a couple of days ago to see how it works, and it works perfectly without any prior preperations plus it is a piece of cake to operate.
�� Quote: Originally Posted by whs �� Quote: Originally Posted by DirtyElf it seems like i will need to use the manual clone to move only my OS partition to the SSD (the whole 1tb drive wont fit on my 120 gb ssd)
then boot to the ssd, and use acronis to repartition the old drive
i am not with my computer now, im trying to get the process down for when i get back
then boot to the ssd, and use acronis to repartition the old drive
i am not with my computer now, im trying to get the process down for when i get back
1. Align the SSD and define a partition this is pretty simple, just plug it in and create a partition
2. Make sure your data fits on the SSD my current os drive "partition" is 100gb, my ssd is 120 gb
3. Shrink your current OS partition to equal or less than the SSD size (for some imaging programs) see above
4. Rebuild the MBR if your current configuration has the 100MB active partition i dont believe it does.. will have to double check.. i have a win7 dvd
5. Mark the new partition on the SSD as active that seems pretty simple
6. Change the BIOS boot sequence (if you have the old system still in the box) i can definitely do that
7. Disconnect all HDDs when you put the image on the SSD if i disconnect all other hdds where will the image come from?
I may have forgotten a few things. But if you want to make your life easy, use this program. I used it a couple of days ago to see how it works, and it works perfectly without any prior preperations plus it is a piece of cake to operate.
Clone is not the same as image, but sometimes the terms are used for the same thing. I do not knowhow Acronis cloning works.
Regarding the HDD disconnect - I was referring to interal disks and assumed the image/clone was on an external disk. The rest you seem to have under control - good luck.
Regarding the HDD disconnect - I was referring to interal disks and assumed the image/clone was on an external disk. The rest you seem to have under control - good luck.
It is all covered in the WD free Acronis Manual downloaded here: WD Support
I have cloned using this app from a larger HD partition to a smaller wiped HD, shrinking the source partition to fit the target as it cloned. It explained it clearly in the cloning section of the Manual.
I have cloned using this app from a larger HD partition to a smaller wiped HD, shrinking the source partition to fit the target as it cloned. It explained it clearly in the cloning section of the Manual.
Here is a current thread by a member who used Acronis to clone his operating system from Drive A to Drive B. In his case, Drive B was not an SSD.
http://www.sevenforums.com/software/...g-acronis.html
He used the free Western Digital version of Acronis.
Note the choices he made in the process. His source drive had only 1 partition, but he mentions how he could have selected just the OS partition on a 2 partition system.
He chose to delete partitions on the target drive.
From a reading of various posts at the Acronis forum, it looks like the way to ensure proper alignment on an SSD is to first format it with Windows 7, not Acronis.
You can check the alignment on a partition this way:
Type msinfo32 in the start box and navigate to components > storage > disks. Locate the disk in question. Scroll down to "partition starting offset". It should be a number evenly divisible by 4096 and it should be 1,048, 576 bytes if formatted in Windows 7
I"m still searching, but it appears that if you want AHCI on the SSD, you should change to AHCI on the source drive before making the clone.
Apparently, alignment can be corrected after the fact with a Paragon tool and possibly others (Gparted?)
http://www.sevenforums.com/software/...g-acronis.html
He used the free Western Digital version of Acronis.
Note the choices he made in the process. His source drive had only 1 partition, but he mentions how he could have selected just the OS partition on a 2 partition system.
He chose to delete partitions on the target drive.
From a reading of various posts at the Acronis forum, it looks like the way to ensure proper alignment on an SSD is to first format it with Windows 7, not Acronis.
You can check the alignment on a partition this way:
Type msinfo32 in the start box and navigate to components > storage > disks. Locate the disk in question. Scroll down to "partition starting offset". It should be a number evenly divisible by 4096 and it should be 1,048, 576 bytes if formatted in Windows 7
I"m still searching, but it appears that if you want AHCI on the SSD, you should change to AHCI on the source drive before making the clone.
Apparently, alignment can be corrected after the fact with a Paragon tool and possibly others (Gparted?)
now that i think about it, just reading the first couple lines of his post... wouldnt it be way easier to just install windows 7 fresh on the ssd and then plug the spinner back in?
ive only installed a handful of programs so far and could easily just reinstall them... it might be worth going through the trouble of cloning or imaging for practice but i dont really want any downtime if i can afford it
lets say i choose to go the fresh install route on the new ssd, what do i do with the windows partition on my old drive once i plug it back in? will i be able to point my favorites and folders to the locations i made on that drive the same way as i did before?
AHCI is already enabled on the current disk.
edit: ok and after reading that thread it seems like it would be pretty simple to just clone the drive with acronis.. save me the hassle of reinstalling drivers and isht again. what im not sure of is how to plug the old drive back in, will it still see that win7 partition as a bootable C: drive even though the new ssd will have a C: drive on it? how would that work?
edit 2: i just read through the acronis manual and from what i read i dont think it has the option to clone only one partition of a drive... it would let me change the sizes and move them and stuff, but i dont think i can just clone the one OS partition of my wd drive to my ssd... when i get back to my place and can get it installed i will report back here... if acronis cant do it, ill just use the windows 7 image backup method and try that
ive only installed a handful of programs so far and could easily just reinstall them... it might be worth going through the trouble of cloning or imaging for practice but i dont really want any downtime if i can afford it
lets say i choose to go the fresh install route on the new ssd, what do i do with the windows partition on my old drive once i plug it back in? will i be able to point my favorites and folders to the locations i made on that drive the same way as i did before?
AHCI is already enabled on the current disk.
edit: ok and after reading that thread it seems like it would be pretty simple to just clone the drive with acronis.. save me the hassle of reinstalling drivers and isht again. what im not sure of is how to plug the old drive back in, will it still see that win7 partition as a bootable C: drive even though the new ssd will have a C: drive on it? how would that work?
edit 2: i just read through the acronis manual and from what i read i dont think it has the option to clone only one partition of a drive... it would let me change the sizes and move them and stuff, but i dont think i can just clone the one OS partition of my wd drive to my ssd... when i get back to my place and can get it installed i will report back here... if acronis cant do it, ill just use the windows 7 image backup method and try that
�� Quote: Originally Posted by DirtyElf wouldnt it be way easier to just install windows 7 fresh on the ssd and then plug the spinner back in?
what do i do with the windows partition on my old drive once i plug it back in?
will i be able to point my favorites and folders to the locations i made on that drive the same way as i did before?
what im not sure of is how to plug the old drive back in, will it still see that win7 partition as a bootable C: drive even though the new ssd will have a C: drive on it?
what do i do with the windows partition on my old drive once i plug it back in?
will i be able to point my favorites and folders to the locations i made on that drive the same way as i did before?
what im not sure of is how to plug the old drive back in, will it still see that win7 partition as a bootable C: drive even though the new ssd will have a C: drive on it?
If you feel it's easier to reinstall, that's what you should do. I assumed you were interested in an alternative to a reinstall because of this thread's title.
If it wouldn't save you any time or effort, you'd be a fool to image or clone. What other motivation could there be?
You get back at your old drive by plugging it back in after you boot to the cloned drive and then you do whatever you want to do---delete its partitions or whatever.
If you clone a drive, your bookmarks and folders point to the same place they did previously. That's what a clone is.
The guy who actually did it says he could have cloned just one of his two partitions. I don't know if he is correct, but he's gone through the cloning process. I haven't.
If you don't have that much invested already in your existing install, then by all means give your new SSD a clean reinstall with other HD's unplugged. SSD Alignment
If you have data from User folders on the data HD, when you plug it back follow these steps to link your User folders to the other HD: User Folders - Change Default Location
The Win7 installer is nearly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates so you really only need the NIC driver on a stick or CD to get online to optional Updates. I would also immediately set up auto-loading drivers for hardware: Automatically get recommended drivers and updates for your hardware
After that any drivers missing in Device Manager can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device. Driver Install - Device Manager
If you have Upgrade version and wipe the HD, skip inserting the key during install and do one of the workarounds given here for installing to a wiped HD: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version
If you install to wiped HD, the installer will issue a 100mb System Reserved boot partition which conveniently places the Repair Console (normally only on the DVD or Repair CD) on the F8 Advanced Boot Tools menu. So I would choose Custom Install and then Drive Options to partition as you wish and format: Clean Install Windows 7
Install updates and then programs slowly over time to gauge performance after each. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they slow startup, become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and can spy on you. I only allow AV and gadgets. Startup Programs - Change
Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials which works perfectly with Windows 7 Firewall. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
When it is finished, clean and order the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art free CCleaner then Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly.
CCleaner - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
Auslogics Disk Defrag - Reviews and free Auslogics Disk Defrag downloads at Download.com
Auslogics Registry Defrag - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
Then save a Windows 7 Backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD or replacement using DVD or Repair CD. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
If you have data from User folders on the data HD, when you plug it back follow these steps to link your User folders to the other HD: User Folders - Change Default Location
The Win7 installer is nearly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates so you really only need the NIC driver on a stick or CD to get online to optional Updates. I would also immediately set up auto-loading drivers for hardware: Automatically get recommended drivers and updates for your hardware
After that any drivers missing in Device Manager can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device. Driver Install - Device Manager
If you have Upgrade version and wipe the HD, skip inserting the key during install and do one of the workarounds given here for installing to a wiped HD: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version
If you install to wiped HD, the installer will issue a 100mb System Reserved boot partition which conveniently places the Repair Console (normally only on the DVD or Repair CD) on the F8 Advanced Boot Tools menu. So I would choose Custom Install and then Drive Options to partition as you wish and format: Clean Install Windows 7
Install updates and then programs slowly over time to gauge performance after each. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they slow startup, become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and can spy on you. I only allow AV and gadgets. Startup Programs - Change
Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials which works perfectly with Windows 7 Firewall. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
When it is finished, clean and order the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art free CCleaner then Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly.
CCleaner - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
Auslogics Disk Defrag - Reviews and free Auslogics Disk Defrag downloads at Download.com
Auslogics Registry Defrag - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
Then save a Windows 7 Backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD or replacement using DVD or Repair CD. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
Just be aware that Windows diskpart "clean all" (secure erase) WILL NOT do a single partition on a HDD it will mark the entire HDD as unallocated space and all data will be lost; if you want to do a partition specific wipe, use Option Three outlined in this tutorial.
Partition Wizard : Use the Bootable CD
Partition Wizard : Use the Bootable CD
I've got enough invested that I'm going to try to clone the one partition first with acronis. If that doesn't work I'll try the win7 image backup method. If I can't get either of those two to work I'll do a fresh install. Thanks for your help guys. If I have any questions I'll post here. I'll probably be attempting this Monday.
OK.
If possible, take some screen shots to document the choices you have to make along the way---or at least write down what one can expect to see after you choose source disk and destination disk. I'd like to know for an absolute fact if 1 partition can be cloned from a multi-partition drive.
I'd guess you should choose the "manual" method rather than automatic.
Unplug your existing drive before you attempt to boot for the first time with the new drive, immediately after the clone is done.
If possible, take some screen shots to document the choices you have to make along the way---or at least write down what one can expect to see after you choose source disk and destination disk. I'd like to know for an absolute fact if 1 partition can be cloned from a multi-partition drive.
I'd guess you should choose the "manual" method rather than automatic.
Unplug your existing drive before you attempt to boot for the first time with the new drive, immediately after the clone is done.
will do
it appears that i can clone only one partition from my drive, what do i need to do to the SSD before cloning to it? do i just need to plug it in and leave it all unallocated?
Yes, it should create the partition for you when you specify the target drive and size.
Do you have the 100mb System Reserved partition on the source drive? If so, I'd clone it along with the System MBR.
If you choose not to clone the 100mb SysRserved partition, go into Advanced options if available to set C drive Active, include the MBR with OS drive if possible.
Either way you may have to Repair the mBR using the DVD or Repair CD after cloning before it will start. Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times
Let us know how it goes.
Do you have the 100mb System Reserved partition on the source drive? If so, I'd clone it along with the System MBR.
If you choose not to clone the 100mb SysRserved partition, go into Advanced options if available to set C drive Active, include the MBR with OS drive if possible.
Either way you may have to Repair the mBR using the DVD or Repair CD after cloning before it will start. Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times
Let us know how it goes.
i don't have the 100mb partition.
after i clone it i will unplug the old drive and try to boot from the SSD. if that doesnt work, then i'll run the startup repair 3 times as described in the tutorial - im pretty confident this should work
i'll let you guys know how it goes and try to document the process as best as i can
after i clone it i will unplug the old drive and try to boot from the SSD. if that doesnt work, then i'll run the startup repair 3 times as described in the tutorial - im pretty confident this should work
i'll let you guys know how it goes and try to document the process as best as i can
Make sure Win7 partition remains Active for repairs to work: Partition - Mark as Active
i dont think WD Acronis will let me clone only one partition. i select the source disk and there are no options for source "partition" then when i go to select destination drive the new SSD is greyed out and wont let me select any options... any ideas? if not i'll try the win7 image method from an external drive.
edit: i could use acronis to backup my C: partition and restore it to my SSD.. then i would have to do startup repair 3 times.. that should work right? essentialy the same thing as using the win7 image method, right?
edit 2: i dont want to click on yes and prepare the ssd do i?
edit: i could use acronis to backup my C: partition and restore it to my SSD.. then i would have to do startup repair 3 times.. that should work right? essentialy the same thing as using the win7 image method, right?
edit 2: i dont want to click on yes and prepare the ssd do i?
when i go to disk management i get this screen.. do i need to do something to the ssd before it will let me "use it"? i clicked cancel so you could see my disk management screen..
as you can see i want to clone C: (@ 100gb) to the SSD which will fit.. obviously the whole 1TB drive wont fit
then when im done with that i want to get rid of the old C: and put 50gb in each, music and data (Z:, Y: )
as you can see i want to clone C: (@ 100gb) to the SSD which will fit.. obviously the whole 1TB drive wont fit
then when im done with that i want to get rid of the old C: and put 50gb in each, music and data (Z:, Y: )
Yes you want to initialize it with defaults offered.
This is the same thing the Acronis program is asking you, just not as clearly.
You can probably run the clone operation after initializing in Disk mgmt. Look for options to select partitions to clone.
You may want to refer to Manual on same Download page as it has never let me down.
I've asked Wolfgang to look at this to double-check whether SSD might need anything else.
This is the same thing the Acronis program is asking you, just not as clearly.
You can probably run the clone operation after initializing in Disk mgmt. Look for options to select partitions to clone.
You may want to refer to Manual on same Download page as it has never let me down.
I've asked Wolfgang to look at this to double-check whether SSD might need anything else.
i dont see any options to select a partition anywhere, i initialized it in disk management and same screens. no options to clone one partition. when trying auto mode it says my new disk is too small. i dont think there is a way to clone only one partition 
Try the imaging option. Save it to external or HD data partition not involved.
You can select your partitions to image using free Macrium Reflect or even the Win7 imaging app.
Wolfgang will know best about this since WD Acronis is apparently holding back options.
You can select your partitions to image using free Macrium Reflect or even the Win7 imaging app.
Wolfgang will know best about this since WD Acronis is apparently holding back options.
wolfgang is coming to read this thread? if so ill wait for his recomendation.
thanks for the help so far greg.
thanks for the help so far greg.
Greg has asked me to help. I will try to the best of my knowledge. The first thing you have to do with the SSD is to align it and to create a primary, active partition. Details are here: SSD Alignment My proposed alignment is 64, but you can also use 1024 which some people think is better.
On your Disk Management snip I did not see a 100MB active boot partition. That simplifies things. After you put the image into the defined active partition, the SSD should boot (after you changed the BIOS boot sequence).
Try that and post back if you run into problems. I would physically disconnect the other disks (except the one where the image is) during the imaging operation and when everything works you need to deactivate your "old" C:
On your Disk Management snip I did not see a 100MB active boot partition. That simplifies things. After you put the image into the defined active partition, the SSD should boot (after you changed the BIOS boot sequence).
Try that and post back if you run into problems. I would physically disconnect the other disks (except the one where the image is) during the imaging operation and when everything works you need to deactivate your "old" C:
how do i put the image into the ssd? that is the problem i am having...
�� Quote: Originally Posted by DirtyElf how do i put the image into the ssd? that is the problem i am having...
It is actually very simple.
1. you make a restore disk (same approach for Acronis or Macrium)
2. You image your system to an external disk - if you do not have an external disk, you can even image to a partition on an internal disk. This partition must NOT be C and it must be large enough to fit the image.
3. You change the BIOS boot order to boot from the restore CD that you created under #1 and pull the image to your newly created partition on the SSD.
Here are a couple of tutorials I made for Macrium - if you want to use that. The first one is a quick tutorial i made for Vista (but it is exactly the same for Win7). The second one is a more detailed Video. Pay attention to the part in the recovery section where it says "Active" and "Restore MBR" - you need both of those.
Image your system with free Macrium - Vista Forums
Imaging with free Macrium
PS: Looked at your Disk Management again. Your compressed image size will be about 25GBs or a bit less. You have 40GB of used space on C. Btw: How big is your SSD?
oh. ok, im going to do it the imaging way.
i already have acronis, i assume it is the same. ill read through the tuts and try it with acronis.
i already have acronis, i assume it is the same. ill read through the tuts and try it with acronis.
Choose Acronis "Backup my System" to choose your Win7 partition, then save it to external or data partition on HD if it will let you. Then click on Recovery to reimage to SSD, or create a Boot Disk to boot to reimage.
Greg, as far as I can tell, he is lucky. He does not have the 100MB partition. That makes things easier.
Your post 43 shows you are trying the automatic clone option.
You should be in manual mode.
As Greg says, "prepare" must be the Acronis term for partition and format.
I'd go further into the manual clone method and find out what happens. Worst case scenario, you have to image rather than clone.
At this point, no one knows if a single partition clone is possible.
You should be in manual mode.
As Greg says, "prepare" must be the Acronis term for partition and format.
I'd go further into the manual clone method and find out what happens. Worst case scenario, you have to image rather than clone.
At this point, no one knows if a single partition clone is possible.
creating the backup now. then ill restore it to the ssd. then... unplug the WD drive and boot from the ssd? or just use bios to select ssd first?
edit: i do not have the 100mb reserved partition, on purpose.
edit2: i went all the way into the manual clone menus, no where am i able to select a single partition.
edit: i do not have the 100mb reserved partition, on purpose.
edit2: i went all the way into the manual clone menus, no where am i able to select a single partition.
Quote:
no where am i able to select a single partition
How do you know that isn't because you had not yet partitioned or formatted the destination disc (SSD)?
For all we know, the choice of WHAT you want to clone comes AFTER the SSD is partitioned.
No?
For all we know, the choice of WHAT you want to clone comes AFTER the SSD is partitioned.
No?
�� Quote: Originally Posted by ignatzatsonic How do you know that isn't because you had not yet partitioned or formatted the destination disc (SSD)?
For all we know, the choice of WHAT you want to clone comes AFTER the SSD is partitioned.
No?
For all we know, the choice of WHAT you want to clone comes AFTER the SSD is partitioned.
No?
i tried with the ssd partitioned and marked to active, i wasnt able to select partitions anywhere.. to clone the destination drive MUST be larger than the source drive and ALL partitions must be cloned
ive restored the image and the MBR to the SSD, im going to shut down and go into bios and have it try to boot from the SSD. this is what my disk management looks like after
ive restored the image and the MBR to the SSD, im going to shut down and go into bios and have it try to boot from the SSD. this is what my disk management looks like after
I say that for only one reason:
I have heard of only 1 person on these forums who did a clone with Acronis. That person succeeded about a week ago. He had 1 partition. He said he COULD HAVE cloned only a single partition on a multi partition disc.
I have no idea if that is accurate.
No one else has documented the cloning process in Acronis.
I have no idea what the order of operations is and as far as I know, no one else knows either.
I have heard of only 1 person on these forums who did a clone with Acronis. That person succeeded about a week ago. He had 1 partition. He said he COULD HAVE cloned only a single partition on a multi partition disc.
I have no idea if that is accurate.
No one else has documented the cloning process in Acronis.
I have no idea what the order of operations is and as far as I know, no one else knows either.
�� Quote: Originally Posted by DirtyElf i tried with the ssd partitioned and marked to active, i wasnt able to select partitions anywhere.. to clone the destination drive MUST be larger than the source drive and ALL partitions must be cloned
ive restored the image and the MBR to the SSD, im going to shut down and go into bios and have it try to boot from the SSD. this is what my disk management looks like after
ive restored the image and the MBR to the SSD, im going to shut down and go into bios and have it try to boot from the SSD. this is what my disk management looks like after
well im back, booted off the intel x-25m
how can i be sure my ssd is aligned properly? im pretty sure that when acronis restored the image it deleted my partition (that i aligned in diskpart) and created a new one to restore the image to... if it is not aligned properly, how do i fix this?
how can i be sure my ssd is aligned properly? im pretty sure that when acronis restored the image it deleted my partition (that i aligned in diskpart) and created a new one to restore the image to... if it is not aligned properly, how do i fix this?
Great, you did it.
Verification
If you want to verify the alignment (e.g. for a SSD where you are not certain whether the proper alignment was done), you use the following commands.
Diskpart
List disk
Select disk n
List partition
Now you should see a result like this.
Partition ### Type Size Offset
------------- ---------------- ------- -------
Partition 1 Primary 59 GB 1024 KB - but 64KB is just as good.
The offset has to be divisible by 4.
Verification
If you want to verify the alignment (e.g. for a SSD where you are not certain whether the proper alignment was done), you use the following commands.
Diskpart
List disk
Select disk n
List partition
Now you should see a result like this.
Partition ### Type Size Offset
------------- ---------------- ------- -------
Partition 1 Primary 59 GB 1024 KB - but 64KB is just as good.
The offset has to be divisible by 4.
great!
now what to do with my old C: ( now E: )
now what to do with my old C: ( now E: )
Set your old C to inactive - best with BEST FREE Partition Manager Software for Windows supports all 32-bit & 64 bit Windows No-server OS. But i would keep it around for a while - as backup in case the SSD has problems. Also keep the Image you just used.
That WEI is a smoking gun.
That WEI is a smoking gun.
i intend to keep it around for a while, just in case. and i will keep the image i used.
do i need to use PW to set it to inactive? or can i do it with diskpart?
would i still be able to chagne the boot sequence in bios and boot to my old windows drive (incase of emergency) on my WD drive? or would it need startup repair?
do i need to use PW to set it to inactive? or can i do it with diskpart?
would i still be able to chagne the boot sequence in bios and boot to my old windows drive (incase of emergency) on my WD drive? or would it need startup repair?
Sueeeeet. Nice work! 
Post back a Disk Mgmt screenie if you like so we can check how it worked out.
Let' s make sure there is no boot reliance between drives.
Can you boot the HD now using one-time BIOS Boot Menu key, or do you only need it now for data?
You now have a backup image if you want to get rid of the OS on HD.
You can also link to User files on HD if you need the SSD space: User Folders - Change Default Location
Later we can help you surgically remove all of the HD OS except the User folders.
Post back a Disk Mgmt screenie if you like so we can check how it worked out.
Let' s make sure there is no boot reliance between drives.
Can you boot the HD now using one-time BIOS Boot Menu key, or do you only need it now for data?
You now have a backup image if you want to get rid of the OS on HD.
You can also link to User files on HD if you need the SSD space: User Folders - Change Default Location
Later we can help you surgically remove all of the HD OS except the User folders.
You can try diskpart too. The boot sequence you have to change permanently to the SSD - else it will be looking for an active partition on your old HDD. But if you ever want to boot from the HDD again, all you need to do is make the old C (now E) active again and change the boot sequence back to the HDD.
all i have done after restoring the image to the ssd is change the bios boot order to the SSD
attached disk management screen
edit: i have also already changed my user folder locations to the Z: drive, they appear to still be linked (pic attached)
attached disk management screen
edit: i have also already changed my user folder locations to the Z: drive, they appear to still be linked (pic attached)
That looks good. But you still should deactivate E. It does not really hurt to keep it this way, but you may get funny effects. Look once into msconfig > Boot tab whether you now have 2 win7 listed.
�� Quote: Originally Posted by whs That looks good. But you still should deactivate E. It does not really hurt to keep it this way, but you may get funny effects. Look once into msconfig > Boot tab whether you now have 2 win7 listed.
SSD looks perfect with all flags flying.
It appears to have moved HD System boot files to SSD which is fine. No dual boot would be configured and they remain independent.
Do you have any need to boot HD now as it may or may not boot. You can try by using one-time BIOS Boot Menu key. If that doesn't work unplug the SSD, boot DVD or REpair CD to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times to write System boot files to HD.
It appears to have moved HD System boot files to SSD which is fine. No dual boot would be configured and they remain independent.
Do you have any need to boot HD now as it may or may not boot. You can try by using one-time BIOS Boot Menu key. If that doesn't work unplug the SSD, boot DVD or REpair CD to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times to write System boot files to HD.
In PW look under the Partition tab > Modify.
i have no need to boot to the WD drive now... only for an emergency. ill mark it as inactive (and hide it?) with partition wizard
That is a sound approach. Btw: when you have a minute, burn the bootable CD of PW. That is handy in emergency situations when everything comes to a screeching halt. It can help e.g. restoring the MBR and a lot of other nifty things.
burning the image to cd now. thanks again guys
You can hide E by removing drive letter, tho I'm not sure that's necessary as you might wanna browse in there.
When ready I would wipe E using PW CD to rightclick>Wipe with zeroes. You can then Create New or Resize adjacent partitions using the cool slider bars.
Congratulations on the skilled work. Stick around and help others now with what you've learned as you are quite good at it already.
When ready I would wipe E using PW CD to rightclick>Wipe with zeroes. You can then Create New or Resize adjacent partitions using the cool slider bars.
Congratulations on the skilled work. Stick around and help others now with what you've learned as you are quite good at it already.
You are welcome. Looks like you are all set. Piece of cake with a smooth operator like you are. LOL.
PS: I live 1 hour west of you in Spring Hill, FL
PS: I live 1 hour west of you in Spring Hill, FL
again - thanks for the help, ill be around to help for sure
ive deactivated E: and hidden it, ill keep it as a backup unless i need the space later on down the road... its only 100gb of a 1TB drive which is now only for data.. i have my shiny new 120gb ssd for my OS and programs
ive deactivated E: and hidden it, ill keep it as a backup unless i need the space later on down the road... its only 100gb of a 1TB drive which is now only for data.. i have my shiny new 120gb ssd for my OS and programs
Congrats, well done restoring the OS to the SSD.
Check all the basic SSD settings are correct.
A good start are the ones listed on the MS Engineering Windows 7 - Support and Q&A for Solid-State Drives
Start at the 'Windows 7 Optimizations and Default Behavior Summary' It explains the basic settings needed for a SSD.
I would hope it makes the basic SSD setting changes.
Don't know if it's any different from the WD and Seagate Acronis versions.
Check all the basic SSD settings are correct.
A good start are the ones listed on the MS Engineering Windows 7 - Support and Q&A for Solid-State Drives
Start at the 'Windows 7 Optimizations and Default Behavior Summary' It explains the basic settings needed for a SSD.
If you have the Intel� Solid State Drive Toolbox (< download here if you don't), open it and select 'Intel SSD Management Tools.
Click on 'System Configuration Tuner', then click 'Run' in the bottom of the window.This will set the basic settings, as recommended by Intel for your SSD.
If you have checked various forum recommendations, then you know there are a lot of opinions.
The ones in the link to the Win7 site, hits the basic ones most forums agree on, anymore than this is up to you.
If you have checked various forum recommendations, then you know there are a lot of opinions.
The ones in the link to the Win7 site, hits the basic ones most forums agree on, anymore than this is up to you.
- First thing I would do is disable automatic Defrag in Windows, this is bad for a SSD and not needed.
- Disable Superfetch - this is debatable but Intel recommends it for it's SSDs.
- Enable Write-caching - Device Manager - Disk Drives, right click your SSD - Policies tab - tic 'Enable write caching on the device'.
- Leave the Pagefile on the SSD you can reduce the size since you have 8GB RAM, min I've seen recommended is 400 MB, I set mine to 400 - 1000 MB. Start button - right click computer - properties - Advanced system settings - Advanced tab - in Performance click settings - in Advanced tab, Virtual memory click Change - tic 'Custom size', Initial size (MB) 400 (or whatever you want), Maximum size (MB) 1000 (or...).
A little late, and I haven't tried this myself, but Intel has a free Data Migration Tool, powered by Acronis.
Intel� Data Migration Software
Intel� Data Migration Software
I would hope it makes the basic SSD setting changes.
Don't know if it's any different from the WD and Seagate Acronis versions.
Post back here if you have any questions.
i will take a look at those things tonite. thank you for the tips. if i have any questions Ill post back here.
do you have any literature on superfetch and why i should disable it? that is the only thing the ssd tool box suggested - i want to know what i am doing before i do it
from the reading I did, it seems like it would stop preloading my programs into RAM - which should still be faster than my ssd, no?
from the reading I did, it seems like it would stop preloading my programs into RAM - which should still be faster than my ssd, no?
Superfetch should not be disabled - you are right with your logic. Here is some reading: SuperFetch: How it Works & Myths
PS: and throw this "tuner" into the bin.
PS: and throw this "tuner" into the bin.
After a little searching on the Intel Acronis Migration tool it has been mentioned it has the same issues as you experienced with the other Aronis software. Can't clone a large partition to a smaller one, not able to clone only one partition on a physical drive, etc.
Also read several sites talking about alignment problems when restoring image backups to SSDs.
Acronis has said they are working on this issue, but for now if you only restore one partition on a drive it will re-align it during the restore to a un-aligned state. Restoring the entire drives partitions will keep the correct alignment.
Also read several sites talking about alignment problems when restoring image backups to SSDs.
Acronis has said they are working on this issue, but for now if you only restore one partition on a drive it will re-align it during the restore to a un-aligned state. Restoring the entire drives partitions will keep the correct alignment.
As usual the superfetch debate has proponents for both sides of the discussion.
I have ran it enabled and disabled and have not noticed any performance difference, YMMV.
Intel states that the SSDs perform fast access to programs and superfetch is not needed, disabling it will save writes to the SSD.
IMHO, it's not enough to worry about.
Enable/disable as you prefer.
Intel states that the SSDs perform fast access to programs and superfetch is not needed, disabling it will save writes to the SSD.
IMHO, it's not enough to worry about.
Enable/disable as you prefer.
I have found good general SSD information on the OCZ forum, obviously they are focused on OCZ SSDs.
Just what tweaks are needed in win7 with SSD?There are some that think you should turn off System Restore.
I have turned mine off on the SSD, I make weekly image backups, so am protected against disaster.
This Acronis story regarding the alignment is interesting. I never had this sort of trouble with Macrium. You have to, of course, align the SSD in the first place. But if I remember right, the OP had checked the alignment after the installation and it was still intact.
alignment pic attached. i'll make image backups on my own.. how do i disable system restore? also, how do i enable disk defrag only for my HDD partitions?
whs, noticed that also, in my search last night I found several cases stating that it didn't keep the alignment.
These were recent discussions but, maybe Acronis has applied a fix.
Only searched Acronis issues, would be interesting to see how the other image apps perform.
These were recent discussions but, maybe Acronis has applied a fix.
Only searched Acronis issues, would be interesting to see how the other image apps perform.
�� Quote: Originally Posted by DirtyElf alignment pic attached. i'll make image backups on my own.. how do i disable system restore? also, how do i enable disk defrag only for my HDD partitions?
I'll post some links on SSD tweaks.
Disclaimer: Not all tweaks are necessary, it's best to find sites that explain what they do and why they need to be tweaked.
Be careful, some older sites give tweaks for Gen1 SSDs, these are not needed for Gen2 SSDs. If it's a long list of tweaks it's likely for Gen1 SSDs.
You can run a search on SSD Tweaks, there is a lot of info, most of it contradicting.
This way you can be confused just like the rest of us
whs, a lot of sites say to disable superfetch, as I explained previously I'm on the fence. I do have superfetch enabled now.
Solid State Drive (SSD) Tweaks for Windows 7
SSD and Tweaks
The SSD Optimization Guide
I don't use all of the tweaks on this site, just for reference.
Disclaimer: Not all tweaks are necessary, it's best to find sites that explain what they do and why they need to be tweaked.
Be careful, some older sites give tweaks for Gen1 SSDs, these are not needed for Gen2 SSDs. If it's a long list of tweaks it's likely for Gen1 SSDs.
You can run a search on SSD Tweaks, there is a lot of info, most of it contradicting.
This way you can be confused just like the rest of us
whs, a lot of sites say to disable superfetch, as I explained previously I'm on the fence. I do have superfetch enabled now.
Solid State Drive (SSD) Tweaks for Windows 7
SSD and Tweaks
Quote:
Superfetch will not wear an SSD; as all it does it keep record of which apps you use often and write that (once) to a location on the C drive, so that when you boot this can be read sequentially. While without this feature, it would require the HDD to seek alot when starting apps like Firefox etc.
So after booting, when you start your usual programs, thes Superfetch feature had already loaded these in RAM; so they are "pre-loaded". In essence, it has converted Random I/O access to Sequential I/O access - something that will benefit HDDs alot since they have crazy high seek rates.
But the access to this Superfetch-file is often read-access, and its only written to when the Superfetch profile is updated; when your usage behavior changes. Read access is harmless to an SSD; only writes will wear the drive. With modern SSDs, it doesnt matter if you write alot to the same sector or that you spread your writes; as they got advanced wear leveling that swaps flash cells that have been written to alot; and just remembers this 'bypass' internally without Windows or the rest of the system ever knowing.
So after booting, when you start your usual programs, thes Superfetch feature had already loaded these in RAM; so they are "pre-loaded". In essence, it has converted Random I/O access to Sequential I/O access - something that will benefit HDDs alot since they have crazy high seek rates.
But the access to this Superfetch-file is often read-access, and its only written to when the Superfetch profile is updated; when your usage behavior changes. Read access is harmless to an SSD; only writes will wear the drive. With modern SSDs, it doesnt matter if you write alot to the same sector or that you spread your writes; as they got advanced wear leveling that swaps flash cells that have been written to alot; and just remembers this 'bypass' internally without Windows or the rest of the system ever knowing.
The SSD Optimization Guide
I don't use all of the tweaks on this site, just for reference.
SuperFetch and SSD
Interesting explaination.
Interesting explaination.
have defrag and restore turned off now. thanks.
doesnt appear to let me select the ssd to defrag
doesnt appear to let me select the ssd to defrag
Did you run the AS SSD benchmark?
I'm curious what it will give you for read speeds.
You can check other AS SSD scores listed here:
I'm curious what it will give you for read speeds.
You can check other AS SSD scores listed here:
Only a couple 120GB Intels, your scores should be the same as the 160GB SSDs.
EDIT: Just saw your post in the SSD performance thread.
The sequential reads/writes are where they should be, access times could be better.
I would be happy with that, you can tweak a little bit and get the access times better, disable C states in BIOS and run the benchmark from safe mode. This will reduce the services that are running.
Change your power settings to High Performance.
Change your power settings to High Performance.
what are some things i can do to tweak the times and speeds, and what really matters in terms of performance? obviously i want all the numbers to be as high (or low) as possible.. but will i really notice a difference of 0.025ms? and a 4k read speed of +20mb/s?
If it feels fast, you're good.
The tweaks you can do now to eek a little speed and 0.01-0.02 ms on the access times will not be noticeable.
You will have to run a benchmark to see the difference.
I would set your Power Options to High Performance and call it a day.
Sit back, relax and enjoy that fast SSD.
I'm still amazed everytime I bootup and shutdown
I'm patiently waiting for the Intel G3's to come out, it's tough waiting and that 120GB you have looks very tempting
My dual bay laptop is getting tired of waiting for this X25-V.
The tweaks you can do now to eek a little speed and 0.01-0.02 ms on the access times will not be noticeable.
You will have to run a benchmark to see the difference.
I would set your Power Options to High Performance and call it a day.
Sit back, relax and enjoy that fast SSD.
I'm still amazed everytime I bootup and shutdown
I'm patiently waiting for the Intel G3's to come out, it's tough waiting and that 120GB you have looks very tempting
My dual bay laptop is getting tired of waiting for this X25-V.
�� Quote: Originally Posted by DirtyElf what are some things i can do to tweak the times and speeds, and what really matters in terms of performance? obviously i want all the numbers to be as high (or low) as possible.. but will i really notice a difference of 0.025ms? and a 4k read speed of +20mb/s?
its a desktop, i assume its always on full power (i could be wrong)
and, i do enjoy the hell out of it
and, i do enjoy the hell out of it
�� Quote: Originally Posted by DirtyElf its a desktop, i assume its always on full power (i could be wrong)
and, i do enjoy the hell out of it
and, i do enjoy the hell out of it
Desktops have three options, Power Saver, Balanced and High Performance.
You want consistant power to your SSD, use High Performance.
HDDs function just fine on reduced or adjustable power, SSDs don't.
Thanks for the info on this. Bought a Corsair SSD Force Series 120GB and used Seagates version of Acronis to clone my System partition to it. Had two problems with it though, first boot I got a BSOD after some drivers got automatically installed (hasn't happened again since). The other problem I had I consider more serious - two out of three encrypted drives got their volume headers corrupted and couldn't be mounted until I restored them from backup. I don't know the cause for this but the timing would suggest Acronis was messing about with drives that hadn't been formatted by Windows (the drive that wasn't affected was formatted before encryption) so I'd recommend anyone using encrypted drives to disconnect them prior to installing Acronis, do the cloning, uninstall the software and then reconnect the drives.
That is useful additional information. I wonder though, what Acronis had to do with the "other" drives where it was supposed to only image and restore the C partition.
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