17 replies to this topic

[IndyLux]

Ok guys, you’re really pushing SSDs for HTPCs on BYOB. (Say that three times fast!). My current H55M/Core i3 build has a rattling old spinning disk and I think I’ll spring for an upgrade when I save up the dough. So here’s the question. Can I restore an image from home server to the SSD and get away without reinstalling everything (Win7, TMT3, MSE, My Movies, AnyDVD, VCD), or are you going to make me do a fresh install? Thanks.

[pcdoc]

Yes and No.

You do not have to re-install the OS and can restore your image however follow the instructions below BEFORE you install your new drive. You can do this using your existing hard drive and once it is working, perform a new back up, install your SSD, and clone or restore your system. Hope this helps.


1. Exit all Windows-based programs.
2 .Click Start, type regedit in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
3. If you receive the User Account Control dialog box, click Continue.
4. Locate and then click the following registry subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetServicesMsahci
5. In the right pane, right-click Start in the Name column, and then click Modify.
6. In the Value data box, type 0, and then click OK.
7. On the File menu, click Exit to close Registry Editor.
8. Shutdown your computer
9. Restart and go straight to the BIOS and set the driver controller from IDE to AHCI.
10.Restart and boot into windows. Windows should detect new hardware (new controllers). Reboot again to make sure it starts correctly in AHCI mode.
11.Backup/image your system
12. Shutdown and install your SSD.
13.Run the restore and you should be good to go.

Good luck and hope this helps.

[dvn]

I predict you will be a happy camper. Besides, you 'have' to try the restore. That's what we're all about,right?

[IndyLux]

You surprised me with your answers guys! Great news and I will certainly try it. Worse case scenario, I'll just format and re-install.

Can you elaborate on what AHCI is?

[dvn]

Advanced Host Controller Interface - "exposes SATA's advanced capabilities (such as hot-plugging and native command queuing) such that host systems can utilize them"

The short story is that SSDs have better performance in AHCI mode.

[HSS-Dave]

Definitely rep'd that post. Thanks for the question Chris, I have been thinking about doing this to my TivoCenter build.

You BYOB guys are going to cost me a fortune!

[pcdoc]

IndyLUx - In addition to what DVN wrote, you need AHCI mode to activate the "TRIM" feature in Windows 7. The Trim is what resets the drive memory from a used state (which slows performance) to a new state in real time and in the background effectively keeping your drive in like new performance. Windows 7 is the first OS to natively support trim and you need to make sure that the drive you buy supports it as well...

Hey Dave, we are here to serve. Remember that commission on everything you spend... Oh and the legal caveat that states that BYOB is not responsible for any spontaneous outburst of cash or the sudden impulse to hit newegg..... Looking forward to your build.

[fasthair]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news. There is one thing you must remember about WHS. It will only restore to a drive of equal or greater size.

fasthair

[IndyLux]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news. There is one thing you must remember about WHS. It will only restore to a drive of equal or greater size.

fasthair

Really? I wasn't aware of that! Can anyone confirm that?

Edited by IndyLux, 24 July 2010 - 08:28 PM.

[pcdoc]

I believe fasthair is correct for WHS but there are other backup solutions that can be used. You can download the trial versions of Acronis, backup you drive and then restore it to your SSD and then reomvoe it when you are done. Acronis will let you restore to a smaller drive however make sure you leave the 100 meg partition the same size. Acronis wants to resize everything automatically. I have used this method on my laptop.

Good catch FastHair.

[dvn]

Good catch, pcdoc.

[IndyLux]

How about shrinking your OS partition to the size of the SSD. Backup that partition and restore it to the new drive. Would that work?

[no-control]

yes if you shrink the volume below that of the ssd you should be ok. BTW this is what's required for Windows 7 as well. Ask me how i know

[pcdoc]

With the right backup program like acronis that is fairly easy to do.

[ikon]

good info pcdoc. I was a little confused at first, thinking IndyLux was asking about putting an SSD into his WHS. But your info brings up a question pcdoc: since WHS v1 is Server 2003 it presumably is not trim aware. I'm thinking an SSD is not a good idea in that case. I say that because I just had an SSD burn out in a Dell Mini 9 that came with XP.

[pcdoc]

Good point. It is not trim aware nor are most raid configurations of SSD either. There are quick utilities that you can run on "non-trim" setups that work but it is kind of a hassle. But even if where trim aware, there would be very little value on WHS. Great point.

[diehard]

Because of this post, I did the reg hack and BIOS change and it's working for me. Thanks pcdoc.

[pcdoc]

Because of this post, I did the reg hack and BIOS change and it's working for me. Thanks pcdoc.

Glad it worked out. Did you just upgrade to an SSD? Do tell....