Restore to SSD
I just set up a new dell XPS 8700 computer that has a 1TB drive. I want to get a SSD but not set it up again and instead use acronis to do a complete drive image and restore it to the SSD. Is this ok?
I have read that I should do a compelte new install.
Machine is running Windows 8.1 Pro 64bit. It does have UEFI boot.
thanks,
Mike


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thanks. I believe I have read it is better to do a backup and restore instead of a clone. I know how to do that.
I do want to use the 1TB drive as a second drive in the system.
I was going to acronis in windows to make a backup image. Then pull the 1TB and insert the SSD and use the boot media to restore.
Once up and running, I wad going to put the 1TB back and make sure the Bios looks to boot the SSD first since both will have boot partitions. I will then eventually wipe the 1TB.
I have done this before, but not with UEFI.
Another question, is this bad for the SSD? Or will it have no performance issues and the SSD will operate just as if I was installing the OS and everything from scratch. I am looking at getting the Samsung 850 EVO 250GB.
thanks,
Mike
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Also, I am looking at either the regular Samsung 850 EVO 250GB or the mSTATA since the Dell XPS 8700 Desktop has a mSATA slot. Is one a better option that the other for doing the imaging?
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Typically mSATA slots are used in SSD caching setups, and SSD caching doesn't work well with Acronis, so don't turn it on. Otherwise, an mSATA disk should behave like a regular SATA disk for Acronis. Typically mSATA disks don't have capacities as high as SATA disks, and tend to be more expensive for the same capacity.
I am less radical than other advanced users who advise against cloning altogether, but it is true there is more risk for the disks data during a cloning operation.
In my case though, with one computer, I was not able to backup and restore ad Windows 8.1 UEFI laptop disk to an SSD. I had to clone to make it boot. The funny thing is that I could do it with the exact same other computer without problem. Go figure.
The backup method should run fine though.
Restoring to the SSD will not damage the SSD in any way. After restoring, and rebooting, verify that TRIM is on
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ssd-performance-tweak,2911-2.html
Windows 8.1 should automatically disable automatic defrag of the disk.
The Samsung is an excellent disk.
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I did a backup and restore disk image and all seems fine. I did the backup from windows. then swapped out the drives, booted from the Acronis USB media and did a restore.
All seems good.
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