Windows 10: Windows 10 Pro Will Not Install on New SSD Not a Clone

My old Samsung SSD 970 EVO 250GB was running out of space, even though I only use it for software while a Samsung SSD 860 EVO 500GB is used for files. I bought a Samsung SSD 970 EVO 1TB and replaced the old one. NOTE: I did NOT clone the drive as I a didn't know I could/had to and b didn't see the need since I'm just going to reinstall software anyway.


I put the USB drive I got with Windows 10 Pro and booted the machine. I chose Windows Setup 64-bit. It took for ever to load the files, but when it finally finished more than 30 minutes, Windows Boot Manager says:


"Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix the problem:

1. Insert your Windows installation disc and restart your computer.
2. Choose your language settings, and then click 'Next.'
3. Click 'Repair your computer.'

If you do not have this disc, contact your system administrator or computer manufacturer for assistance.


File: \windows\system32\boot\winload.exe


Status: 0xc0000225


Info: The application or operation system couldn't be loaded because a required file is missing or contains errors."



I don't have a disc and I only have the USB thumb drive that came with Windows 10 Pro on it. I've tried rebooting, but I just end up going back to this screen no matter if I choose 64-bit or 32-bit. Pressing F8 for advanced options just gives the same error response. NOTE: this is on a black screen, not the BSoD. I never got to the point where I could enter in any information, including the product key.


I also thought perhaps it was trying to boot or install on the Samsung SSD 860 EVO 500GB which never had it installed. I rebooted and hit the DEL button so I could go into the BIOS and make sure it was not in the boot sequence at all, let alone second priority.


I've owned this copy of Windows 10 Pro since 2018 and I've not had an issue or a need to use it after initial install until today. I'm close to putting the old SSD back in just so I have a working computer, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to fix this problem.

:)

 

Moving to SSD. Clone or not to clone?

I kinda agree with you, but on a wholr, do not. While I have done things a bit differently than this specific situation, by installing Windows directly to the SSD, and cloning after, my testing shows that there are no issues doing this, very little that can go wrong, provided your system is stable.

There are certain features that must be disabled in this situation, like auto defrag and such, but even with a fresh install to the SSD, you need to take steps to ensure that you SSD performs properly, regardless of how the data got there.

Arming yourself with a bit of knowledge can go a long way.

Installing the latest chipset driver, and the RST Tools, will ensure optimal performance of the SSD. but rather than taking my advice, I suggest the OP takes a look here:

http://blogs.dirteam.com/blogs/sand...7-and-ssds-to-clone-windows-or-reinstall.aspx

Installing The SSD - Install A Solid State Drive In Your Notebook | Tom's Hardware

Keep in mind, also, Digibucc, that many retail drives include software and such that very specifically is to be used to ttranser the OS from an existing mechanical drive to an SSD, and if there really was alot fo issues stemming from the cloning process, they would not have packages like that, simply to eliminate tech support costs. While not the optimal option, cloning is NOT a bad thing, as long as you take the nessecary steps.

 

Moving to SSD. Clone or not to clone?

Part of how I keep my SSD fast is to clone it to a platter drive, then clone back. You just want to make sure that you are only cloning teh used space, and not the empty space.


So, again, I isntall Windows to the ssd. Clone to platter drive, then clone back.

I am not sure why, but if I do not do the clone step, the drive's speed, and windows booting, decreases substantially within a week or so.

I am using a Corsair F60 SSD and a Western Digital 500AAKS as drives, and using the free version of Acronis that WD provides, if any of that matters. I am not sure, at this point.

 

Windows 10 deactivated on new cloned SSD

Well it would appear the issue was solved!

What I did was re-insert and boot the original SSD went into Settings

Selected Accounts

Clicked on Manage my Microsoft account, got a message stating the account needed to be updated

After that was done, I cloned the new SSD again

On the cloned SSD entered command prompt, used the slmgr with my product key command (was entered successfully)

Then used the slmgr /ato command...and voila, Windows was reactivated successfully!

So thank you all for the possible solutions you suggested. I will keep monitoring the system as time goes by.