Should I Be Concerned and Extra Cautious  

baumgrenze said:

Perhaps I'm being paranoid, but I Googled 'uninstall macrium reflect free' and opened a fire hose.

"macrium reflect free" 6 uninstallþ - ÈÍË Googleþ

It is hard to decide if might dig a deeper hole if I try to use the Win7 uninstall utility if I intend to reinstall. I certainly don't want to go there.

For example, high up among the hits were 'maxuninstaller' and 'totaluninstaller.' These look like a research project on each just to trust them.

thanks

baumgrenze

Using the Programs and Features to do an uninstall is fine for that. But let's try checking on your SSD for firmware updates, or a Crucial Toolbox, to check the health of the SSD.

baumgrenze said:

Thank you for persisting!

Is there a Macrium Reflect 'guru' or two that I could PM and ask (just in case one is away on extended vacation?)

Thanks again

baumgrenze

In speaking with another member here, it seems that, since the images are being created, but they're not being successfully verified, makes it sound like a problem reading the disk. That's why we suggested Crucial tools to see if we can check the health of the SSD.

This should be the link you need:
Crucial Storage Executive Tool | Firmware Download | Crucial.com

EDIT: Let's make sure your new Toshiba drive is healthy as well:
Seatools - please run the long test on the new Toshiba drive.

SeaTools for DOS and Windows - How to Use - Windows 7 Help Forums

.

The ISO you downloaded recently from MSTechBench, version 1511, will activate using your W7 key (Pro for Pro). You could:

1. Clean install to the unused SSD and use the W7 keycode to activate, then reinstall all your programs.
2. Make a Macrium image of your W7 OS and "restore" it to the new SSD. Try to upgrade the new SSD to W10. That way, if it fails, you still have your old setup to fall back on.
3. Try Cloning the W7 OS to the unused SSD; then try upgrading the new SSD.

One thing you could try is putting an image on your internal SSD, connected directly to your motherboard, to see if it verifies. That way we can rule out any problem with your hot-swap dock.

Let's do this:

Hook up your empty SSD to your motherboard, and disconnect every other drive.
Have only keyboard, mouse and monitor connected to the machine.
Using the ISO you downloaded from MSTechBench, clean install W10 to the bare SSD (You can use a flash drive if you like).
Input your W7 key when it asks for one.
Get W10 up and running.

Check that it is activated: Start>Settings>Update & security>Activation

It should say Windows is activated with a digital license.

If you can get this done, you're all set and the pressure is off.

baumgrenze said:

Would it be smart to update the firmware on this drive before starting the process?

I downloaded the x64 version tonight.

thanks

baumgrenze

Yes! Always be completely updated - it's a must! :)

For the ISO to flash: You can use 7-zip to right-click the ISO and mount it, then copy all the files over to the flash drive. Also, the easiest way to get W10 on a flash drive is to use the Media Creation Tool and let that do it for you.
Windows 10 ISO Download - Windows 10 Forums

- So, update the FW on the empty SSD.

- Put the ISO on a flash drive.

USB Flash Drive - Create to Install Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

- Disconnect all drives except the new SSD.

- Boot to the flash drive and install, using your W7 key when it asks. Expect that to take approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Windows 10 - Clean Install - Windows 10 Forums

- Once installed, let it run for a few hours to "hydrate" (LOL - not my term, Microsoft's!)

- Verify it's activated (you can just type activation in the search box to get there). If it's not, give it a reboot or two.

- Turn off Fast Startup and turn on System Restore. Set a restore point.

Fast Startup - Turn On or Off in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

System Restore Point - Create in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

- Install Macrium and make an image and be sure to verify it. Create a W10 folder on your external drive in which to save it.

I have asked another member, @essenbe, to be available for you today, as I will be AFK. He will answer any questions you may have.

Good luck! :)

I'm subscribed. I'll help where I can.

essenbe said:

I'm subscribed. I'll help where I can.

Thanks essenbe!