Migrating windows 8.1 from HDD to SSD

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Wide

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Purchased a brand new HP Laptop with pre installed windows 8.1.
I want to convert the main (boot drive) 1tb HDD to 128gb SSD and have windows run on the new ssd. Have tried a system image backup (on an external hard drive) as well as a windows recovery disk boot /drive (on USB flash drive) but cannot seem to reinstall on the new SSD. It gives errors. I suspect this could be due to the partitions (incl HP recovery partitions) as well as the image backup being stored on a hard drive which is much bigger in size compared to the new SSD. I have also tried the HP backup and recovery tool but that also did not work

Any fool proof ideas to get this done without much pain?

I am a novice and would appreciate any detailed advise. I don't have anything of substance that I need to backup except the windows 8.1 (don't have the original or backup disk but have the KEY)
 
You'd be far better off just reinstalling Windows on the SSD. If you move between identical hard drives it's not an issue normally, but for an SSD? Definitely reinstall for best performance.

Also, yes it's probably the recovery partition messing things up.

Just boot from the flash drive, Windows 8.1 setup is pretty straightforward.
 
The ssd should have cloning software to use to clone the original hdd. Ive used a few different ones with most being successful
 
TJ99 said:
You'd be far better off just reinstalling Windows on the SSD. If you move between identical hard drives it's not an issue normally, but for an SSD? Definitely reinstall for best performance.

Also, yes it's probably the recovery partition messing things up.

Just boot from the flash drive, Windows 8.1 setup is pretty straightforward.
Click to expand...

Silly question maybe - I have a boot flash, but how do I install the actuals windows without a Windows CD ?
 
Wide said:
Silly question maybe - I have a boot flash, but how do I install the actuals windows without a Windows CD ?
Click to expand...

Just use EaseUS that I posted above.
It has a migrate OS to ssd button.

Trust me, it works 100%.
 
I had problems after using the Samsung cloning software.

Ended up having to delete all the partitions and having to do a re-install from scratch.

All OK now !

Note : I downloaded a Windows 8.1 disk image from the Microsoft website.
 
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