Swapping out primary hard drive for SSD: Fastest method to transfer data and OS?

[ChrisAttebery]

I'm considering putting an SSD in my machine and I'm wondering what the fastest way to move the OS and data off the old drive is. Is there any way to copy the entire drive and OS without having to reinstall everything?

I'm currently running Vista 64 bit.

Thanks in advance,


Chris

 

[blackangst1]

Im assuming you mean for your C drive? Just use Windows backup to make an image, put image on seperate drive, install new drive, restore from image.

 

[ChrisAttebery]

That sounds alot easier than reinstalling windows and all of my software.

Thanks for the reply.

Chris

 

[CptCrunch]

Whenever i install a new operating system on my computer, I setup all of my applications, new drivers, updates, etc, and then make an imagine with Acronis. When I want to "format", I just reload the imagine, apply updates or newly found programs, create a new imagine. Rinse and repeat. I've only installed Windows XXXXX version once, then used images.