The original post: /r/datahoarder by /u/timecat22 on 2025-07-27 16:04:23+00:00.
I have a 1024 GB SSD. It's my primary hard drive. It contains all my work files, all my software, all my everything. I cannot risk this drive under any circumstances.
I amazon'd a second drive to use as a backup. It's unfortunately slightly smaller. I didn't realize that when I selected it.
My main drive is not full or anything. The second drive has more than enough space to contain all of the actual data on my main SSD. I want to create a complete clone of my C drive on this new drive. In theory the new drive would have less empty space on it but everything else would be intact.
What is the most straightforward and reliable way to clone my SSD to this smaller SSD? I have tried numerous methods including AOMEI backupper, Macrium Reflect, Clonezilla, and so far I have been rewarded with BSODs, "firmware panics", error messages, and a full day of being unable to boot my PC.
What can I do? Is there a safe way to do this? Many thanks in advance