Copying on Windows 8.1

Dyriver
Member

145

02-27-2016, 12:46 PM

Your current hard drive has been producing loud grinding sounds for several months now. I’m considering replacing it soon. I’m curious if I can transfer my Windows installation onto a new drive and clone the existing one, so I can fully switch to the new drive as the main boot source without having to reinstall Windows or reapply all my software. Thanks — Heller

Dyriver

02-27-2016, 12:46 PM #1

i3z___
Senior Member

559

03-01-2016, 03:20 AM

Your hard drive has been producing strange sounds for nearly a year, so replacing it might be the best idea. I’d suggest reinstalling Windows and your applications—it’s a more secure approach. Also, consider getting an SSD as a boot drive, Zach.

i3z___

03-01-2016, 03:20 AM #2

globusfjaes123
Junior Member

03-08-2016, 07:53 PM

I've been weighing my options and considering an SSD, specifically the one you linked. It's a good idea to check reviews and understand the risks before moving forward.

globusfjaes123

03-08-2016, 07:53 PM #3

I've been weighing my options and considering an SSD, specifically the one you linked. It's a good idea to check reviews and understand the risks before moving forward.

Anselhero
Senior Member

582

03-09-2016, 12:02 AM

Avoid copying your HDD. It's simple to reinstall Windows, and the advantages make cloning unnecessary. Follow this tutorial:

Anselhero

03-09-2016, 12:02 AM #4

Avoid copying your HDD. It's simple to reinstall Windows, and the advantages make cloning unnecessary. Follow this tutorial:

zamys
Senior Member

690

03-09-2016, 12:25 AM

I’m comfortable setting up Windows on my own (thanks!). The reason I chose this method was to avoid dealing with it, but I think a fresh install is my main choice now.

zamys

03-09-2016, 12:25 AM #5

I’m comfortable setting up Windows on my own (thanks!). The reason I chose this method was to avoid dealing with it, but I think a fresh install is my main choice now.

UnMuteLP
Member

03-09-2016, 05:38 AM

Working with cloned drives can be risky, but reinstalling Windows and your apps is a more secure alternative. I don’t recall the exact name, but there’s a method to build a custom installer that automatically sets up any software you choose and removes unwanted files. The challenge is knowing which bits and programs you want included. It’s quite useful.

UnMuteLP

03-09-2016, 05:38 AM #6

b4nife
Member

03-09-2016, 10:21 AM

theres no problem in cloning the drive over to a new one..I do it all the time with trueimage...best cloning program there is

b4nife

03-09-2016, 10:21 AM #7

theres no problem in cloning the drive over to a new one..I do it all the time with trueimage...best cloning program there is