1) Why this blog about replacing HDD by SDD?

3 migration options using only free software:

1. full systemback on old disk and restore with system repair CD/DVD on new disk;
2. clone old disk to new disk;
3. reinstall windows and make it bootable from external drive (product key windows needed)

Introduction:

My laptop (Acer Aspire 7551G) is 3,5 years old and beginning to let me down. First the coolingfancontrol broke down (I connected it to a laptop USB port so its running all the time) and then my harddisk was giving me big troubles. Very slow respons what ever I was doing and total stop serveral times a day so I had to restart. A full system backup with windows failed eveytime.

Time for a new disk. Afterwards I found out that the disk had bad sectors.

By replacing the disk I mean migration of all user data en software programs. A complete working system like before.

This by using only freeware software and keeping the solutions as simple and cheap as possible. I will refer to the software I used en guide you step by step through the proces with text and pictures. I have a Windows 7 64 bit home premium licence.

Basic skills needed:

The first option, full system backup and restore, is rather easy (if you're full system backup is working properly) and requires only basic windows functionallity.

If you want to clone your old disk or reinstall windows you need some basic computer skills. Otherwise you better have it done by an expert. I know people who will do it for about 25 Euro. You could need severall hours to clear the job so the fun of doing it you're self should be important.

Most important skills in case of difficulties:

• to download software from internet and install software on you're laptop;
• to copy folders and files; basic understanding of most important folders and their content for finding installed software and data; hidden files, folders and partitions;
• extended use of windows control panel;
• install hardware drivers;
• BIOS; boot menu; change boot sequence;
• fysical drives; logical drives and partitions;
• basic problem solving for example looking in to event logs; run diagnostic software, look for support on websites;

Why did I write this article?

I googled serveral hours to find out how to do it and wether there are best practices. There is a lot to find on the web but no detailed description with all the 3 options together and what problems so solve. For example what if your new disk is smaller then the old one; the windows system backup doesn't work, what software will help you best, where to take notice of, etc.