Windows 7 Cloning SSD to HDD -> Major Problems (Horrendously Slow Boot)

[sigmaelectric87]

Hi,

Thanks in advance for reading.

I made a prototype PC for a customer of mine with an mSATA 64GB Kingston SSD. They returned it with their custom software/content (SCALA) and we've made some significant modifications to the chassis.

The operating system on the unit is Windows Embedded Standard 7. When I cloned the SSD to a WD AV 250GB HDD, the OS boots horribly slow. Like I've waited for 30 minutes and the system is still unresponsive.

The system has an i5 processor, and 4 GB RAM, so I don't think it is choking there.

The Scala player loads on boot, but was loading fine on the SSD. I've even tried booting into Safe Mode, and Safe Mode hangs on loading file UserPNP.sys. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you are experiencing significant boot issues after cloning the mSATA SSD to a larger WD AV HDD in your prototype PC. Slow boot times and unresponsiveness can be frustrating, especially when Safe Mode is also affected. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve this issue:

Troubleshooting Steps:​

1. Check Cloning Process:
   • Ensure that the cloning process was successful without any errors. Sometimes, incomplete or faulty cloning can lead to boot issues.
   []Check Disk Health:
   • Verify the health of the WD AV 250GB HDD using a tool like CrystalDiskInfo. This will help determine if the HDD is functioning properly.
   []Check Drivers:
   • Update or reinstall drivers, especially storage and chipset drivers, to ensure compatibility with the new HDD.
   []Perform a Repair Install:
   • Attempt a repair install of Windows Embedded Standard 7. This can help resolve any corrupted system files that might be causing the slow boot.
   []Check for Malware:
   • Run a malware scan using Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus to rule out any malware that could be causing the slowdown.
   []Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs:
   • Disable unnecessary startup programs using Task Manager. Overloading the system with startup programs can impact boot times.
   []Adjust BIOS Settings:
   • Check the BIOS settings for any misconfigurations that could be affecting the boot process. Ensure that the HDD is set as the primary boot device.
   []Windows Update:
   • Ensure that Windows Embedded Standard 7 is up to date with the latest updates. Some updates might improve system performance.
   []Check Event Viewer:
   • Use Event Viewer to check for any system errors or warnings that could provide insight into the slow boot issue.
2. Revert to Original Configuration:
   • If possible, consider reverting to the original configuration with the mSATA SSD to see if the issue persists. This can help isolate whether the HDD is the cause of the problem.

     Additional Notes:​

   • Storage Space: Ensure that the WD AV 250GB HDD has sufficient available space for the operating system and applications to function properly.

• Hardware Compatibility: Verify that the WD AV HDD is compatible with the system and that there are no known compatibility issues. By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve the slow boot issue on your prototype PC. Let me know if you need further assistance or if you have any other details to share about the situation.