Botched I72600K build with srt 60gb ssd

[TAZZY9899]

I ordered a custom NCIX 2600k based for photo editing and they did not set my bios for the vertex 3 60mb ssd  to cach in srt mode and instead placed all my system files and my prograam files on the ssd for a boot disk leaving it 60% full. My 2 TB is empty. How can I reconfigure my system  to my original 2TB system drive with srt caching mode done with my 60gb ssd. TAZ


  

[Paul2660]

If I understand your question, you have the OS (win7?) on the 60GB SSD and you wanted that for your scratch drive? You wanted the OS on the 2TB drive.

Easy way to resolve, buy Acronis, image the current drive with the OS, reboot and tell Acronis to recover the
image of the drive (60GB SSD) to the 2TB hard drive.  Make sure you tell Acronis NOT to keep the disk signature, but YES to Master boot record.  These steps are critical.  No other way I know of to move, you can't just copy the files, (if windows).  Other way would be a total reload from the copy of the OS.  Acronis is very easy to use and not that expensive.  Good backup tool for future use also.

Paul Caldwell

[John.Murray]

I'll assume you are using a z67 or 68 chipset offering SSD caching.

You *don't* need to use Acronis, run windows backup (go with the default Complete System Backup) onto an external drive.  Now get in BIOS and setup your cache configuration as desired.

Begin the Windows installation, but select Repair, one of your options will be a system restore.....

PS:  In BIOS, be sure to disable "Boot from External Devices", that external drive may confuse the Windows Installer

[TAZZY9899]

To be clear I have a x68 asus board and wanted the 60gb ssd in srt caching mode. Would I be better off to get a bigger ssd for a boot drive and clone my files to it or use the srt mode. I might just do a reinstall of everything to avoid any bugs down the line. I am not a real tech guy but have access to one TAZZ

[John.Murray]

I'm quite impressed with SRT.  A 60GB system drive is a bit marginal spacewise, I'd recommend no less than 80gb.  Given your setup, I'd go with the 60 as a cache of the 2tb ....

[TAZZY9899]

Thanks for the help John and Paul. I have decided to purchase a 256gb ssd (at a discount for my troubles) for the boot drive. A crucial m4 256 sata3. Can I just clone the system files from my 60gb ssd to my 256gb ssd and plug and play. Also can I have my 60ssd  on my system with the system files as a backup drive or should I format it. TAZZ

[John.Murray]

I would definately reccomend the 60gb as an srt cache to the 2TB - Windows Backup does not support backing up to a locally connected internal drive, only external or network shares.

You do have a x67/68 chipset don't you?

Please *try* the backup procedure I mentioned above - you'll be very pleasantly suprised

We recently had to cutover a school district's Primary Domain Controller (3400+ users) because server hardware was failing.  Using Windows Backup (Server 2008 backup is identical to Win 7 backup), we cutover to new hardware in less than 3 hours - in fact, the most painfull part of the whole procedure was rebooting their main router.....

[TAZZY9899]

John I really appreciate your help sounds like an easier way to go.....  I am willing to give you method a try...could you email me  post here a more detailed / step by step instruction for the procedure... am not familar with these window operations and how to set up my bios for Srt caching with my asus z68board. My email is    STEPHEN.WYSYNSKI@SHAW.CA
My system is as follows:
i7 2600k
asus x68 motherboard
16gb corsair 1600 ram
60gb vretex 3 ssd and  Hitachi 2tb 7200 hd
xfx 6870
fractal design case
750 watt xfx pro power supply
lg blue ray burner