Need help from the computer savvy.

[Desh]

Please excuse the fact that I haven't purchased a new computer since 2005 and am way out of date on this stuff...

I just purchased a Dell Inspiron 15 7559
i7-6700HQ
16GB RAM (I added 8GB over what it came with)
NVIDIA GTX 960M
Windows 10

I decided to add RAM and a small 120GB Samsung 850 Evo M.2 as a boot drive.  I attempted to use Samsung's own Data Migration tool to clone the standard 1TB 5400 RPM HDD.  The computer recognized the new drive but when I started the cloning process an error occurred not long into it (I don't remember what the error said).  The only option was to accept the issues and reboot.  When I rebooted, Windows would not start and I get an error stating the issue may be do to a software or hardware change:
File: \EFI\Microsoft\Boot\BCD
Info: The boot configuration data for your PC is missing or contains errors

The message states that it wants me to use my Windows 10 install DVD to restore the system.  This is impossible since this computer does not have an optical drive nor can I use the restore through Dell since I can't boot Windows to begin with.

First, I removed the SSD and Windows did reboot after performing a recovery.  Everything was fine.  I then re-installed the SSD and I get the same error and Windows will not boot.  I thought maybe with the SSD installed it was trying to boot from the SSD but, in the boot menu it appears to be trying to boot from the original HDD.

Again, please go easy on me as I am basically a reborn newb.  What the F do I do now?  Obiviously it's not a huge deal as I can get Windows to boot without the SSD installed but I would like to get Windows to boot with the SSD installed so I can wipe it and try again.  Suggestions?

[BlueBMW]

I take it there are two hard drive slots in the laptop?

Personally, I'd create windows 10 install media on a USB flash drive and just do a clean install on the new hard drive... but then you'll probably be missing drivers etc and it will be a big pain if you're not too computer savvy.

As it is, it sounds like the computer is changing the boot priority and trying to boot the SSD first.  Because it didn't successfully clone its not going to boot right since data is missing. 

Its been a while since I've cloned a drive so I'm not really sure what the best cloning software is right now.  Maybe someone else will chime in on that one.

[MNKyDeth]

After installing the ssd and the boot splash screen is being displayed hit F9 or F10.... Whatever the boot selection screen option is. Then select the mechanical drive to boot from. you won't need to worry what it is set as in the bios itself then at this point.

Then go to town trying again the ssd.

As for cloning I havn't done this myself in some time so ,.... yeah

[TheOldMan]

I decided to add RAM and a small 120GB Samsung 850 Evo M.2 as a boot drive.  I attempted to use Samsung's own Data Migration tool to clone the standard 1TB 5400 RPM HDD

How full was the original drive?
Can you really clone a 1T drive onto a 120G drive?
(I think that could be a problem. Especially if it has a hidden restore partition.)

Personally, I'd re-install windows on the ssd.

[BigusSchmuck]

You most certainly can not clone a 1tb to a little ssd drive. I would suggest the following:

1. Get the Windows 10 license key from your current install. Produkey will work. http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/produkey.html You might get away with just activating without a key it as Windows 10 supposedly stores the key digitially on your hardware.
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/windows/how-view-your-product-key-in-windows-10-3632749/

2. You should be able to get a drivers package on Dell's website by entering your service code.

3. You can go here to use Microsofts tool to create a bootable thumb drive (8gb should suffice) https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/ or https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool

4. Windows Easy transfer has been nerfed, so Microsoft in their infinite wisdom decided to go with a third party option. http://pcmoverfree.azurewebsites.net/

BTW, if you are going to do a bit by bit clone hdclone is the way to do it. They have a free version, just takes forever and then some. https://www.miray.de/products/sat.hdclone.html
If you need further assistance, just PM me. I have done this countless times and had to do this on work pcs on a site that didn't have the internet up and going..

[Desh]

After installing the ssd and the boot splash screen is being displayed hit F9 or F10.... Whatever the boot selection screen option is. Then select the mechanical drive to boot from. you won't need to worry what it is set as in the bios itself then at this point.

Then go to town trying again the ssd.

As for cloning I havn't done this myself in some time so ,.... yeah

I tried this but it will only take me to the diagnostic screen.  I even tested both HD's through this and they functionally work fine so they pass the tests.  Hitting F12 will get me to the boot order and I can select what to boot but first priority looks to be booting for the HDD.  I even added my own boot priority to the HDD through the UEFI settings screen and still no look booting that way.

You most certainly can not clone a 1tb to a little ssd drive. I would suggest the following:

1. Get the Windows 10 license key from your current install. Produkey will work. http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/produkey.html You might get away with just activating without a key it as Windows 10 supposedly stores the key digitially on your hardware.
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/windows/how-view-your-product-key-in-windows-10-3632749/

Thanks for the info Bigus, I was reading up on making Windows bootable through USB drive a bit last night, figuring it would be the only way I could get it to boot.  Also, I cannot clone the HDD to the SSD?  I only have 58GB used on the HDD currently.  I figured if I was cloning less data than storage size of my SSD I would be OK.

Thanks everyone for the help and advice.

[Desh]

Well I got everything up and running.  I just made a Windows boot usb drive as suggested.  First I tried booting as repair on both drives and it still wouldn't do anything.  So I unplugged the HDD, did a clean Windows install on the SSD via the USB and installed the Dell drivers for my PC.  Then I just plugged in the original HDD and formatted it.  She's running and loading programs like a beast now.  Thanks for all the help!

[Necromancer]

Good to hear ya got 'er fingered out.

Clean installs are almost always the way to go.  Upgrading or migrating an OS ends up being a hassle more often than not.