fresh install -> clone ssd to hdd

[panyan]

i have a 60GB ssd that i about to reinstall windows to and then it is all installed and i have all my apps and updates, i want to clone the drive to a 250gb backup hdd

1) can i just format and install windows as normal on the ssd

2) what disc is best that can clone the fresh install on the ssd onto my hdd

many thanks

 

[panyan]

Have you set the SATA controller to AHCI from IDE?

1) yes, new install, mother drivers, latest graphic drivers, sound etc.

2) no idea.

nope, but i will change the option to AHCI

so i can format from the installation dvd - no secure erase or anything?

im thinking acronis true image?

 

[panyan]

Its a fresh SSD, so the installer will just get on with it.

disable disk defrag for the SSD too after.

no no, the ssd already has an old install of windows 7, i want to format and install because it is in my new build

 

[panyan]

Ah, sorry, just delete the partion/s and create a new one.

so just like a normal install through the disc, no need for a special wipe or anything?

 

[panyan]

No need for anything special, treat it like a HDD.

I would do a secure erase before reinstalling.

why is that?

EDIT: ill be trying clonezilla to clone the ssd to the hdd

 

[panyan]

If the SSD doesn't support TRIM or it was in a raid array then a secure erase will restore it's original performance. If it did indeed support TRIM, then don't bother and go ahead and do a normal install just like an HDD as already said.

Delete all the current partitions on it. Create a new one (Windows 7 will make an additional one) Then format it. You can safely go ahead and click the next button and continue on with your fresh install.

Easy!

yep - thats exactly what i did

now im installing everything i use and then when it is all set up nicely, ill clone it to the OS backup drive with clonezilla

 

[panyan]

ive just had a look at the built-in W7 one, i dont think it is what i want

i want a program that will clone, file-by-file, my ssd onto my backup OS drive so that if i get problems with my ssd, i can just plug in the backup OS drive, boot to that and be back up and working in minutes