Installing a backup HDD

[rgh43-]

I installed a new SSD, a Samsung M2 type and I have removed the original HDD drive and replaced it with a 2 TB Backup drive for Files, Pictures, Videos etc in my Desktop HP 690-0067c, The MB has 2 e SATA sockets with 1 Dark Blue plug in labeled "HDDO" or either O or Zero I can't tell for sure. The 2nd is a light blue plug in labeled HDD1. I plugged the e SATA cord from the backup HDD into the light blue HDD1 socket, Is that the correct plug to use or does it make any difference?

[TheOldMan · Accepted solution]

The recommended method is as you have posted.  It should not matter as far as which SATA port is utilized as long as the boot order is set  but for general opinion the SATA port 0 is preferred for the SSD

[rgh43-]

This SSD is an M2 type so it just locks into a slot, so I removed the SSD cable that was in O & 1, then removed that HD with the original OS for safekeeping in case I ever have a warranty issue.  Just out of curiosity what place does the M.2 SSD take internally on the MB or does it even have a place designated.  If not does that leave both the o & 1 slots free to use for other things like my new 2TB backup HDD.  Thanks for you input.   One is never to old to learn even if you were born in '43.  Your advice seems to always be spot on.   

In rewording my reply I thought of another question, does the original HD after cloning still have the original Win 10 OS on it?

[TheOldMan]

In response to the last question first - if the cloning was done correctly, there should have been no changes to the hosting hard drive.  Windows 10 and everything else would still be just as it was before the cloning.  So it is a good spare or complete backup of the system and all of the data at the time of the cloning operation.  Keep in mind that backups should be done on a regular basis and stored off/in another place from the PC, besides this "spare" hard drive.

Since this SSD is a M2 type and does not use a SATA cable, the open SATA ports can be used for some other device, if you desire. 

Not sure what you mean by  "Just out of curiosity what place does the M.2 SSD take internally on the MB or does it even have a place designated. " but see if this helps - So that the system will boot to the SSD if some other devices are present in the boot order, the SSD slot should be first in the BIOS boot order/setup menu.

One is never to old to learn even if you were born in '43.  Sound good to me, too.

[rgh43-]

Cloning, yes system works great.  I have stored the old/new HP HD in the pouch the new WD came in & put it in the box & on the shelf.  Yes I have the 2TB in the case and a WD Ultra passport for an external backup.  Your answer on the M2 is exactly what I wanted to know.  Looked in the Bios after cloning and installing the WD spare and I see the M2 is 1st in order so no problem there.  No you obviously understood what I meant even if it wasn’t as clear if it could be.  I was not sure if that M2 slot would make it separate MB connection from the O & 1 SATA plugs actually giving me 3 total, the SSD, "O", & "1".  So I plugged the WD HD into SATA # 1.  Thanks again for the assistance with your very useful information, now to get my programs loaded.    

[TheOldMan]

Great!  Glad to be here for you!

[engnrng79]

"Keep in mind that backups should be done on a regular basis and stored off/in another place from the PC"  How?  I have been searching web and HP for hours.  All I get is using WIndows 7 backup and restore, there is nothing for Windows 10 file structures?  I followed instructions for "backup settings", and backup started immediately using a new, clean external drive.  It predicted 227 gB would be needed.  Fine.  It has been running nearly 12 hours and is now up to 55%, using 92 gB of space on the drive.  If I run this daily, I will not be able to use the computer for anything else!  Oh, I wish I still had my XP operating system, at least it made sense and worked!

[TheOldMan]

I do not use Windows backup but a third party software, however there are numerous free that work well.  Once the original system backup is completed, then set the rest for incremental.  It should take around an hour to complete.  Set it up to run on times when your computer is not busy.  I set mine to run at night, start at midnight and completed then when you are not using it.