How can I transfer Windows from a partition of an existing hard drive to a new (smaller) SSD?

Solution 1:

There are two things you can do.

1. Copy only the C partition, then run a startup repair on the new drive before booting it. You may have to run startup repair more than once.

2. Move data off your drive so that the total data will fit on the SSD. Next shrink the partitions on your drive so that both partitions will will fit on the SSD (or just delete the non-C partition). Then image the entire drive.

You can repartition your harddrive from within Windows 7 using the Shrink feature. The MS kb article is at: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Can-I-repartition-my-hard-disk

1. Go to Control Panel -> System and Security -> Administrative Tools -> Computer Management
2. Click Disk Management (it's under Storage)
3. Right-click the volume and then click Shrink Volume
4. Follow the Wizard

This question is very similar to How to shrink Windows 7 boot partition with unmovable files