Data migration software

[Ranulf]

Looking for some opinions on data migration software. I'm getting ready to switch some systems over to SSD from HD and I'm looking for a good overall program (free or purchase) that can handle this type of cloning well. I know samsung, intel and others have imaging software but what about for those drives that don't have a manufacturer's utility?


Thanks.

 

[Essence_of_War]

Terabyte's Image for Linux will handle imaging + restoring image to the SSD and takes into account SSD alignment.

It's free to try, and in this context, "for Linux" really only means "it's a bootable/live cd".

 

[MustISO]

Are these Windows systems? Are you just looking for OS cloning or something to simply migrate the user data to the new drives?

I use Acronis most often for cloning. You could also try Macrium Reflect and Paragon's utilities.

 

[Charlie98]

I use Acronis most often for cloning.

Both my desktop and HTPC are running off Acronis clones, it does a good job. If you have any WD drive in your system, you can download a free copy of Acronis from the WD website...

 

[Z15CAM]

Boot a Win CD to Partition and Align the SSD. Then DOS Boot "Ghost.exe" to over-write the partitions preferably with MS System Prepped Win Ghost image.

Other then for the old dependable 1.32MB Dos Ghost App and a MS Disk preparers such as Delpart, FDisk and Diskpart, I do not trust these all in one programs that claim it will do it.

 

[raf051888]

Clonezilla can do the job, but I believe it depends on disk size. Its also free.

 

[razel]

You may still be able to use the manufacturer's cloning utility (usually Acronis) as long as it can detect the drive. I am however noticing that some are only allowing cloning only to the new drive, but since nearly all the major manufacturers (Seagate/Samsung, WD and Intel) offer it, you'll have to just try each. Best of luck.

 

[Compman55]

I use this time to "freshen" up. When going to a SSD unless you have software that can;t be replaced, start fresh.

 

[Ranulf]

I use this time to "freshen" up. When going to a SSD unless you have software that can;t be replaced, start fresh.

I've debated for awhile going a clean install route and just migrating user data I'd want over for my gaming system but I have little desire to reinstall/download 450GB worth of games at the moment. In theory it is easier to just copy over my 100GB OS partition and once its working merge the old C partition with the HD storage.


"Are these Windows systems?"

Yeah one is win7, the other is win8. The win8 system is basically a testbed for win8 and various programs. I just need a image of the default drive there for safety (its original 8 not 8.1) as I'll probably be using different drives in that system and keep the original in storage.

Anyone know what the difference between Paragon's Drive Copy and Hard Disk Manager suite for $10 more? I guess it just has more than drive copy tools.