Win 10 Pro 32-bit- Trying clone SSD as backup system image

Hi, my computer has a 250Gb Samsung SSD. I want to create an image (system) clone with a 1TB Samsung SSD using Samsung's Data Migration Tool (aka "Tool"). It was highly recommended.

Though the program successfully completed and says that the amount cloned is equal to the original (appx 129.8Gb), the new SSD won't boot up. Bios Boot Order is correct. Gives a BSOD saying "Inaccessible Boot Device". It gets as far as the 4-pane window icon and the rotating circle of dots (extended time) before the BSOD screen

My Computer shows the clone SSD having 2 partitions, a 499Mb one with very little used (boot partition?) and a larger 931Gb with 126Gb used. First, that does not add up to the 129.8Gb indicated on the Tool. Also, when I highlight all of the larger partition's contents to get the amount used, it only totals 115Gb.

Trying to logic out the issue. The Tool says that any open files will not be included but no instructions anywhere as to how to accommodate that statement. Do I have to go to Safe Mode (if it even works in Safe Mode)?? Do I have to go to msconfig to shut everything off upon boot up? Hopefully, someone has been through this before.

Thanks, Larry

 

I didn't uplug the original drive. I figured since it was booting from a USB drive, it would essentially be fully discrete. I will have to try that on Monday. It is weird though that the size of the data cloned is less than what the program said.

 

I disconnected the native system SSD and ran the clone SSD. Same result. Inaccessible boot device.

 

I called Samsung today and the SSD dept said that that SSD was not designed to be bootable. The guy had an attitude but doesn't bootability have more to do with what's on the drive and not the drive itself?

 

USB is first in the boot order. Thanks

 

Steve, not sure what you mean by having the new SSD first (beyond boot order?). As you suggested, I did try it with the original SSD disconnected and the same thing happened.

Am I right that the Samsung tech was way off-base?

Though I have seen no warnings or instructions, I am wondering if have to (or should) do this in Safe Mode (if it even works in Safe Mode)?? Do I have to go to msconfig so that only essentials are running when I use the Data Migration Tool? BTW- it is a Samsung 1TB Portable USB SSD T7.

 

Is the SSD recognized in Disk Management?
Has it been Initiated?
https://www.crucial.com/support/articles-faq-ssd/initialize-ssd-windows

 

I won’t know until I get back at work tomorrow. So I’ll just plug it in and take a look at Disk Management and see what it says. I did see that the that link you attached said this.

”A clean installation of your operating system or cloning to an SSD will initialize and partition the new SSD.”

 

https://www.diskpart.com/articles/ssd-reports-wrong-size-7201.html
This is a pretty good explanation of why SSD size reported is variable.

I increased the size of the SSD in this laptop from it's OE of 500GB to 1TB.
To illustrate what Disk Management now shows as the capacity:
1TB NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD.
975412MB in Disk Management, 260MB (EFI system partition)
(C 952.55GB NTFS and 1.05GB Recovery Partition.

 

The two drives on the USB SSD are E: and F:. As you can see, for a "clone", it looks nothing like the original!!!

 

What I see is 1 (one) Drive with 2 (two) Partitions which have been named E: and F:
I have over many years "cloned" numerous HD's from smaller to larger drives or from HDD to SSD and never ended up with what you have on your single drive.

 

Right. Was there some kind of prep that I should have to done to get a true clone? I, too, see that it won't boot because it is not a true clone. I did these clones on all 4 workstations in my office and all have the same issue (BSOD). The Samsung software uses the word clone in the interface so I think that it is an appropriate program to use. I may abandon the Data Migration Tool and try free EaseUS.

Were your SSD clones to a SATA SSD or a USB portable drive? Does it matter?

 

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=USB+NVMe...pter,computers-intl-ship,303&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
This link will show one type of external drive adapter I have used when cloning.
I used the Orico unit when I cloned this Lenovo Laptop 500GB card to a 1TB card.
I used Macrium Reflect to do the clone.
I then opened the laptop and swapped the NVMe M.2 cards and also maximized the RAM
at the same time. Re-assembled the unit and it booted up perfectly and has worked great ever since.
I have also used AOMEI and Easeus in previous cloning.
I have also used 2.5" USB external adapter units and where it was easier to access, I have mounted the new drive in the Desktop comp and the cloning software has found the new drive OK and it's just been a matter of follow the instructions on the screen.

It does pay to ensure that all necessary updates are installed on the OE drive before commencing any cloning and also to disconnect any peripherals to ensure there are no conflicts.
Yes, I have used both SATA connections when cloning a new SSD in a Desktop comp. (I disconnect any other SSD's or HDD's while cloning so that there are only the OS C: drive and the new drive connected). USB A & C with external adapters. Everything is getting smaller and more compact these days.

 

Thanks RT. In other words, it really should be working. I tried Macrium but it appeared to totally mess up my workstation. I got it working again but I will not go there again! EaseUS this time.

 

I read your Post #15 again and wondered whether the workstations are on a Network which may effect the process.
Let's know how EaseUS works for you.

 

I shall "pull the plug" on my next attempt. Maybe I will even try the Data Migration Tool again.