I would like to convert a Windows laptop (Lenovo G710) to an SSD. I want to keep the old data.
Now to my problem. The original HDD is 1000GB, but only 100GB are used. So I bought a 500GB SSD. Unfortunately, I can only reduce the partition of the HDD to just over 500GB.
What I've tried so far:
1: I tried to take a system image and start it with a Windows boot stick: Does not work because an error message appears that the SSD is too small.
2: I tried to clone the HDD 1: 1 using third party software: Could not boot.
3: I tried to clone the HDD 1: 1 after reducing the partition to 250GB using third-party software: Same result
4: I repeated experiment 1, same result.
Incidentally, the swap file is already deactivated, but it can't be reduced any further.
What would you like to do in my place now if the data has to be taken over? For reasons of time, I would not like to do this manually and I consider a 1000GB SSD to be a waste of money.
My idea was to somehow find out why the partition can't be reduced and to delete or move the corresponding files. Does anyone have a better solution or know how to do it? I would be very grateful for that.
Yes the solution you don't want to make.
Take a Windows Cd or stick and reinstall the OS on the new SSD.
Then you have to reinstall everything you want but the data e.g. Savegames stay on the hard drive.
This is very often a faster solution than trying to get around it.
Have a look at Paragon for "Backup and Restore free" - then you make a complete backup, create a Paragon start disk and play the backup on the SSD
It's worth a try
It's not about games here, that would be relatively easy. I install the whole thing for a relative who has various programs that he can only log into with a lot of effort (wallets etc.) and also with some would have to wait for the post and authenticate it. In addition, he is not very familiar with PCs and would like everything 1: 1 in the same place. He would also need help installing and setting up each program, so that would be the last stopgap.
I would then pack the HDD into a VM and try to make it look the same as possible. Would be a big hassle for me.
