Quickest method to set up W10 on a second drive.
Quickest method to set up W10 on a second drive.
the laptop includes two drives, as shown here: https://imgur.com/a/bDw1QSf. Disk 1 is HDD, disk 0 is SSD. Question #1: what's stored on the SSD? Do we need anything special for Windows 10 on the SSD right now? Is there a requirement for Windows 10 on the HDD as well? Can we perform a clean install on the SSD, and will the Windows 10 still function on the HDD? I think the Windows 10 was installed digitally. Question #2: why is there an issue? What's the problem? I'm not sure which option is faster—cleaning the SSD and updating again, or using cloning software? Question #3: anyone done this before? Which method is quicker? Question #4: are there helpful guides or videos explaining the process? Most sites just suggest using cloning tools, but they don't clarify what to do next. Other methods like creating a system image seem complicated with many steps.
Which cloning tool are you employing? Share the issue it generated. Refer to clonezilla instructions from the video—it's complimentary. You'll require a comparable or bigger secondary storage device, otherwise the process may fail. Assuming you're transferring a smaller SSD to an HDD, it should function as intended.
This applies to all cloning tools, not just one. The error suggests the software isn't recognizing the target drive.
Macrium Reflect - can clone bigger to smaller if there is enough empty space (if amount of data is smaller than SSD capacity). Use bootable Rescue USB made by Macrium Reflect, so you can clone system that is not in use during clone. Macrium Reflect is more smart tool than mindless Clonezilla that can only mindless copy sectors and doesn't care about system so much. I used Clonezilla years ago and I had various issues (not with cloned system, but with Clonezilla itself). It's more like "tell us what to do and how to do" program with lot of options that are not really needed. Smart tool should be created by someone who knows how system works and how to made proper clone other than sector-by-sector copy. Clonezilla looks more like "we don't know what we're doing, so try lot of various options - they may work or not in your case".
Theoretical requirement is unnecessary. Macrium Reflect employs a VSS service that enables creating an exact copy of the active system. You might consider giving it a try. My opinion is that I remain cautious about VSS since the only instance I encountered issues was when I used this method. Others on the forum have successfully cloned working systems without any complications. Your decision is up to you. During the clone, ensure nothing else runs on the original drive—this is clear. You should verify which drive holds the system by checking partition counts; the active drive will show fewer partitions, while the backup will appear empty. Before proceeding, initialize your new drive as a GPT partition table (unless you plan to work immediately). Macrium Reflect includes a built-in Rescue USB feature, making the process straightforward. I suspect you likely have at least one external drive available. CRUCIAL: after the first boot using only the new drive, disconnect the old one beforehand.
Yes, it’s straightforward. You can perform a clean install on an SSD even if the operating system is installed on an HDD. The process typically involves formatting the SSD and reinstalling the OS, which is generally simple and efficient.
Setting up the system seems simpler in theory than cloning, but only for this specific task. With limited knowledge about your partitions, installing a new system can lead to more issues and confusion—like finding drivers, relocating programs, or recovering data. Instead of cloning, I recommend creating a clone. With Macrium Reflect, you can identify which drive is your HDD and which is an SSD, noting their names and models. For example, a Samsung EVO 860 differs from a WD 1000GB Blue in labeling and specifications. If you don’t have enough info, the system drive might show "C:" on an active partition. Installing fresh Windows also requires a bootable USB, which can be tricky. If you need advice, ask an experienced friend to join via TeamViewer Quick Support or visit your place for help. Let me know if you face cloning difficulties. If you prefer another path, just tell me what you’d like to try.