Moving to a SSD soon - need a backup

Not sure about the best way to do this. I have Grub, which loads my Ubuntu 12.04 and my Windows 8. I want the easiest way to get things exactly how they are on the new 128GB drive - less than 128GB is used right now on my drive.

I have a terabyte external. Looking for free solutions only.

 

Hungry Man,

Is Grub installed into the MBR? I assume so.

There has been a lot of discussion about Grub in the MBR rather than Grub in the partition boot sector. Grub when installed with Ubuntu occupies the first 103 sectors of the HD. LBA-0 to LBA-102. I think imaging apps (except the TeraByte apps) can only restore the first 63 sectors so if you have a problem with the free apps, get back to us.

Edit... While we're at it, can you post a screenshot of Disk Management. That will be a big help in advising you.

 

It's the default Grub installation. I didn't do anything fancy so I guess it's fair to assume that (I don't know.)

I'll post a screeny a little later tonight or tomorrow.

 

I've helped with about 10 migrations from HD to SSD and there are lots of traps.

 

Perhaps I should just reinstall entirely. Such a pain but at least I can back up what's important.

 

I wouldn't and my new SSD is arriving next week. I have about 30 OS on my current HD but I won't be copying all to the SSD.

You just need to be disciplined when copying the partitions.

 

The decision was made for me - drive crapped out last night. Oh well.