New SSD. Clone or New install OS.

V00DOO

Diamond Member
Dec 2, 2000
3,817
2
81
I just bought a new Intel 320 SSD for my laptop. What is the consensus, fresh install of Windows 7 or use Acronis to clone my current OS to the SSD?
 

SimMike2

Platinum Member
Aug 15, 2000
2,577
1
81
I heard the newer version of Acronis don't mess up the SSD alignment, so I personally would clone it.
 

zCypher

Diamond Member
Aug 18, 2002
6,115
171
116
Oddly enough, although I've made backups even with Acronis - I always just do a fresh install just the same, lol. I guess it depends on your situation, and how much you despise doing a fresh install. I personally don't mind doing the reinstall since it takes so little time, and I have all my important stuff on separate drives. So it's not really a huge deal.

I can't really speak to whether cloning would be an issue though, sorry.
 

SimMike2

Platinum Member
Aug 15, 2000
2,577
1
81
The fresh install of Windows isn't what is the real time killer, it is installing all your applications and getting all your settings tuned the way you like. In my case this takes a lot of time and patience.
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
27,370
239
106
I would first try the clone operation. If it works, then you are good to go with all the laptop's drivers, etc. If not, then do the fresh install. Common sense applies. :)
 

dawks

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
5,071
2
81
If you clone, does Windows eventually recognize its on an SSD and disable superfetch, auto defrag, and enable TRIM? Or does the user have to do that manually?