SSD - Clone vs 'Restore' from Backup, help

[Gremo]

Guys,

Its been a long time since I've done IT stuff. Basically, I have a old laptop hdd i want to replace with an SSD. I've more or less settled on the Samsung EVO 500gb. My existing HDD is a 680gb, running Win 7 Home Premium. I understand the software that comes along has the ability to select files to clone.

My question is:
1) Can I simply clone the hdd over to the ssd, obviously keeping within capacity. Because a friend told me cloning didn't work anymore. He did say it might be a problem only for Windows 8 and above, so maybe Windows 7 might still work?

2) Optimization issues - should i do a clean install instead? And if so how do I do this, since I do not have discs that come with the laptop, I cannot have an installation disc ( its been a looong time since I last did this stuff ).

3) If I can just clone the hdd > sdd, then should I just use the Samsung software or use other freeware or pay for something to get it done right?

Your advice pls. As always, I've read articles online before but somehow HWZ forums do tend to give better first hand experience advice.

Lastly, any hdd enclosures recommended for the old 2.5" hdd after I upgrade to the sdd.

TIA!

 

[Koenig168]

You can "clone" or more accurately, migrate, the contents of your HDD to the SSD. Before you do that, I suggest you backup the data first.

A clean install will be better but there will be a fair bit of work involved since you do not have the installation discs. You will need to download the Win 7 ISO and burn to a DVD or install on a thumb drive. You will also need to reinstall all your programs.

I have no personal experience with the Samsung software though I think it should be fine. There is no need to pay for migration software.

 

[Magickiller9]

I just use the Samsung tools to clone. Although other cloning tools will work too.

If want clean installation. download ISO put on thumb drive. Bio start up from thumb drive.

Easiest way if you want to be clean yet spared the nonsense of the drivers and stuff. Clone and do a factory restore.

 

[uniquely_ad]

I just use the Samsung tools to clone. Although other cloning tools will work too.

If want clean installation. download ISO put on thumb drive. Bio start up from thumb drive.

Easiest way if you want to be clean yet spared the nonsense of the drivers and stuff. Clone and do a factory restore.

You dont really need to dl the iso windows..just dl from microsoft creation tool..it will download and store inside your thumbdrive..it has a better dl speed

 

[Nakedtoes]

Just clone my windows 7 laptop had to ssd. Just do it and monitor any abnormalities if yes slot back old hdd. So far for me is OK... Although speed not that good compare to desktop.

 

[Gremo]

Just an update. Thanks to all who responded. I used the clone utility provided by Samsung. It failed the first time but ran fine the 2nd time.

Now giving new life to my 3yo laptop and very happy with the results.

Cheers.