Hard Drive Switch

grapplermad
Junior Member

06-23-2016, 09:03 AM

You can transfer your hard drive files to the SSD using a SATA-to-USB cable. You don’t need to reinstall Windows 10.

grapplermad

06-23-2016, 09:03 AM #1

You can transfer your hard drive files to the SSD using a SATA-to-USB cable. You don’t need to reinstall Windows 10.

Digiton
Junior Member

06-26-2016, 07:08 AM

You don’t need to purchase Win 10 once more. A key is linked to the motherboard you’re using and should work without issues. Based on past experience and preparation, this applies when typing on an upgraded HP laptop.

Digiton

06-26-2016, 07:08 AM #2

Ginternational
Junior Member

06-27-2016, 02:59 PM

Windows keys aren't fixed to motherboards. You can transfer data from your previous drive to a new one, which may cause minor performance drops compared to a fresh installation. Simply connect the new drive to your current PC and use software such as "AOMEI Backupper" to perform the clone. Ensure the new drive matches or exceeds the size of the old one; otherwise, turn off the sector-by-sector option in the cloning tool.

Ginternational

06-27-2016, 02:59 PM #3

danmac1998
Junior Member

07-01-2016, 06:06 AM

OEM keys work after a motherboard replacement, though some people say they might not. I think I might be wrong about that. Still, I didn’t need to get another key after the swap. My HP ProBook 6470b now has a 120 GB SSD instead of a 500 GB HDD.

danmac1998

07-01-2016, 06:06 AM #4

Stamiina
Junior Member

07-03-2016, 01:41 AM

Are you using a cloned drive or connected to a Microsoft account?

Stamiina

07-03-2016, 01:41 AM #5

Are you using a cloned drive or connected to a Microsoft account?

Ilia_Zer0
Member

224

07-07-2016, 03:59 PM

used a Microsoft account for access, assumed it was safe. avoided cloning the drive. there are scripts that seem to retrieve the Windows 10 key, though I found those questionable at best.

Ilia_Zer0

07-07-2016, 03:59 PM #6

used a Microsoft account for access, assumed it was safe. avoided cloning the drive. there are scripts that seem to retrieve the Windows 10 key, though I found those questionable at best.

houweling
Junior Member

07-07-2016, 04:39 PM

Well, it seems the Microsoft account handled the situation. I realized that by just cloning—especially sector-by-sector clones—I wouldn't have needed to turn on Windows. This makes me think the key isn't linked to any specific hardware.

houweling

07-07-2016, 04:39 PM #7

Templer1887
Member

158

07-07-2016, 06:22 PM

Yes, you can connect a SATA to USB cable and transfer the C drive using a computer.

Templer1887

07-07-2016, 06:22 PM #8

Yes, you can connect a SATA to USB cable and transfer the C drive using a computer.

HU3_M4N1N
Member

07-15-2016, 08:14 PM

Not working as expected. Please try again.

HU3_M4N1N

07-15-2016, 08:14 PM #9

Not working as expected. Please try again.

Sqorck
Junior Member

07-23-2016, 11:42 AM

#10

Create a duplicate of the drive while both are disconnected. If you don’t have another machine, use a live boot tool such as cloneZilla (it starts from a USB thumb drive). Once cloned, connect the new drive to SATA and the original via an adapter. Perform the duplication process carefully to avoid copying the empty space to the full drive.

Sqorck

07-23-2016, 11:42 AM #10