Safe way to transfer from an old external HDD to a new external SSD?

Transferring Data from an Old External HDD to a New External SSD Safely and Efficiently

Migrating data from an old external hard drive to a new external SSD can seem daunting, especially when dealing with software configurations and project files that reference specific drive locations. If not done carefully, there’s a risk of losing important data or disrupting software setups. This guide aims to provide a clear and professional approach to ensure a safe and efficient transfer on Windows 10 systems.

Understanding the Challenges

When you have files and software that are set to save or reference data on a particular drive, a simple copy-paste may not suffice. For example, software like DaVinci Resolve or other editing tools often have preferences, project files, or cache locations tied to their original drive. Moving just the files without updating these references can lead to broken links or software malfunctions.

Why a Direct Copy Might Not Be Enough

Performing a straightforward copy-paste can lead to:
– Broken software references if file paths change.
– Missing project or configuration files.
– Potential data corruption if files are not transferred properly.

Therefore, a more structured method is recommended for transferring data, especially when retaining software references and settings intact.

The Recommended Approach: Using Robocopy with Drive Letter Management

One of the most reliable tools for copying large sets of files in Windows is Robocopy (Robust File Copy). It provides greater control, allows for mirroring directories, and preserves timestamps and metadata.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Preparation
Connect your new external SSD and ensure it has sufficient storage capacity.
Note the current drive letter assigned to the old drive (e.g., E:) and plan to assign the same letter to the new drive temporarily. Consistent drive letters help software recognize paths they reference.
Assign Drive Letter
Use Windows Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc) to assign the old drive its current letter, then assign the new SSD the same letter temporarily.
This ensures that paths referencing the old drive remain consistent during transfer.
Using Robocopy
Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
Execute a command similar to:

robocopy X:\ D:\ /MIR /COPYALL /XJ
- Replace X:\ with the letter of your source drive.
- Replace D:\ with the letter of your