Transplanting SSD from existing StartOS node (Optixplex) to new device

DIY Community Support
1

Hi everyone,

Have had some hardware issues with my current Optiplex 7050 and therefore I am attempting to move my SSD from that machine into a new Optiplex 7050.

I am looking at the guide located here:
https://docs.start9.com/0.3.5.x/misc-guides/attach-drive

When I boot from the USB drive (using “startos-0.3.5.1-39de098_x86_64-nonfree.iso”) I am never presented with the option to “recover”.

Instead the live ISO (is there a non-live ISO?) presents me with an option to choose a drive, where the only way to proceed is to wipe the existing disk or USB.

I’m sure I’m missing something obvious here - how do I get to the option presented in the guide in the first place?

Thanks for the help. I’ll provide additional details if necessary.

2

I’m using same hardware and running into capacity issue (99% full) - thought about a reflash from usb like you are doing, now not sure

3

@impromptu Firstly, if you want to, and if the SSD is not the issue, you can simply move the SSD to the new machine, turn it on and it should just work.

If you do need to flash (there are reasons why you might prefer to) then you’d need to go through the process first of selecting the drive you want to install StartOS on. This does not mean you’d be deleting all data, because the next step looks like this…

installing_startos
installing_startos1480×998 33.6 KB

Once you successfully install StartOS, the system will reboot and you’ll be able to continue with the guide you’ve linked to.

4

@SaltyKate the process above of “attach drive” is not the one you’d follow. While you would need to go through the flashing of the USB, then installing StartOS on a fresh larger drive, you’d then go through this process…

https://docs.start9.com/0.3.5.x/misc-guides/transfer-data

1 Like
5

Thanks for the assist Stu!

I will try just moving the drive over in the first instance and see if it boots.

If not, will revert to trying to flash. From what I recall the instructions very clearly said it would overwrite the drive, so i’ll try what you suggested on a different M2 drive first to make sure I don’t accidentally delete everything.

Will let you know how I go!

Thanks again.