how to clone my ssd to a folder on a large hdd

SkeeterUK · 15 Nov 2014 at 21:40

Hi. I want to try win 8.1 see what it's like compared to 7 so was thinking of backing my ssd up to a image to a folder on a separate HDD folder.

What is the best free windows interface way to go about it? Also, hope for a simple process and be able to restore a image easily through windows as well if possible.

KIA · 16 Nov 2014 at 11:31

Macrium Reflect.

ED209 · 16 Nov 2014 at 13:01

if you are using windows 7 there Is a backup and restore option under the maintenance section, will allow you to make a disk image to external hard drive or partition but not to the same partition the current OS is on.

at the end it will ask you to make a CD to restore the image from

did your ssd come with any cloning software? mine did and ive got a Samsung evo

jh30uk · 16 Nov 2014 at 13:06

If you have a WD HDD in your PC you can get the WD free version of Acronis do it.

It is the same as the paid version and does not say WD all over it but you simply ignore the trial part (as a normal trial version does not actually let you image only a dummy run) if you have a WD HDD.

I used it a few weeks back to image my new SSD from my old SSD.

http://support.wdc.com/product/downloaddetail.asp?swid=119

mrk · 17 Nov 2014 at 10:36

Windows System image in Backup and Restore as mentioned. Why install a 3rd party app when Windows has it all built in that works very well? It will create a VHD file which can then be archived and browsed like a folder if you so wish.

KIA · 18 Nov 2014 at 12:26

mrk said:
Windows System image in Backup and Restore as mentioned. Why install a 3rd party app when Windows has it all built in that works very well? It will create a VHD file which can then be archived and browsed like a folder if you so wish.

It's slower, doesn't verify the image and can only mount images that are on local drives.

mrk · 18 Nov 2014 at 12:35

It works, it fits exactly what Op has specifically requested.

ED209 · 18 Nov 2014 at 13:26

I have used windows backup and restore with no issues, clone the hard drive and restore it to the SSD using the CD it asks you to create at the end.

keep the old drive in tis current state and if any issues you can go back to it for any files etc