Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Pastimes : Computer Learning -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: roto who wrote (74443)	3/5/2011 1:36:02 PM
From: roto	Respond to of 110626

Message 27213575 this was addressed to Sexton, but I would appreciate anyone's help. off to work I must go. again, thanks much.

To: roto who wrote (74443)	3/5/2011 2:40:01 PM
From: Sexton O Blake	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 110626

First, you had (if I remember) discussed a dual-boot scenario Linux + Windows. But now you are merely flipping Windows 7 from HDD to SSD? That is it? CAVEAT: Everything below is based on myself working with XP for years. I would hardly think the approaches below would be different with Vista or Win7. You might want more advice from here and/or Google (I am sure at least one person has done what you are doing) If yes, there are two approaches: a) Yes make copies of all critical drivers etc unless they are already on CDs Not sure what tools you might have -- ie another computer where you could "add" the existing notebook drive to grab things after you have installed the SSD. This makes it REALLY easy to do things. If all you have is the other drive, then it is a bit of work - you may want to burn a few CDs with info. Then install everything. b) Merely "backup" the non-SSD, then "recover" to the SSD. I use "Acronis" (mentioned here before). This is the fastest and easiest solution - virtually zero work on your part. It should boot up without any issues. YES, "Windows" will probably say "new hardware is installed" but it is a non-event. It says that, you reboot after, and you are done. I have done this. Harddrives are not "MOBOs" or "NICs" or "Video Cards" so swapping them out, swapping in a new one then recovering (from some other source) is sufficient. Now if you took a drive from machine X, then put it in machine Y and booted, yeah driver problems galore with Video/Sound/NIC etc. But I have done that too. As for registration - I am only familiar with XP but if logic is similar, a "single" swap out of ONE device should not raise a registration problem but if so, who cares "your old harddrive crashed". Period. You have 32GB used so yeah, it fits nicely on the 80GB. Further the 320 probably has 10-20GB used for "Factory Install" - that is sitting there. You may not see it on "My Computer" but should in the System admin/drive management section. Do you need to take that with you? It saves time if you have to do a recovery to factory (as if you would do that after you are 1 month into using the unit) but IMO one should be self sufficient [backups] so "who cares" is my thought. What you are doing is rather basic and you shouldn't run into problems. Your biggest issue is probably going to be swapping drives physically. Good luck.

To: roto who wrote (74443)	3/5/2011 3:26:53 PM
From: PMS Witch	1 Recommendation Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 110626

Unlike Windows XP, Vista, and newer systems like Win 7, check drive signatures at boot time. The software you use to copy your data should make the necessary alterations required for booting. Older utilities designed for XP and earlier systems often omit this step. If it doesn't say "FOR VISTA," (or Win7) anticipate difficulty. If you use Acronis Drive Image, use the "Clone" option, not the "Copy." Be sure to leave the data on your old disk intact -- just in case! If you find yourself stuck with a system that won't boot, use the Windows installation DVD. After booting from this DVD, instead of selecting "Install," choose "Repair." This will rebuild your Boot Configuration Database (BCD) and re-start your system. This may take a minute or so. Since it displays it's progress while it works, the time passes quickly. Note: You must select Country and Language before reaching the Install/Repair screen. Cheers, PW. P.S. Changing the disk will NOT trigger a need to Re-Activate Windows.