Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-19

How to Fix: Cloned hard drive, same PC - STOP error

Troubleshooting cloning a Windows 7 hard drive to a new Seagate Momentus XT 750 GB drive in a Dell D630 laptop.

Quick Answer: Try using a different cloning tool, such as Acronis True Image or Macrium Reflect, which may be more compatible with the advanced format of the new drive.

The STOP error code 0x0000007B (FFFFF880 009A9928, FFFFFFFF C0000034, 0, 0) is a Windows error that occurs when the operating system encounters an issue with its boot process. This error can affect users who are trying to clone a hard drive onto a new one, as in your case. The STOP error typically indicates a problem with the master boot record (MBR), boot sector, or other low-level system components.

This error is frustrating because it prevents users from accessing their cloned hard drives and can cause significant disruption to their work or daily activities. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and potentially fix the STOP error when cloning a Windows 7 hard drive onto a new one.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary reason for this error is that the cloned hard drive may not be properly configured or formatted for the new hardware. The old hard drive was 512B sector size, while the new Seagate Momentus XT is advanced format (4k physical, 512 KB logical). This mismatch can cause issues with the boot process and lead to the STOP error.
  • Another possible reason for this error could be that the cloning software used did not properly handle the transition from the old hard drive's sector size to the new one. In some cases, the cloned drive may have incorrect or missing boot sectors, which can also cause the STOP error.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Using a different partition layout and boot loader

  1. Step 1: Boot into the Windows installation media (CD/DVD or USB) and open Command Prompt as an administrator. Type `diskpart` to access the Disk Management utility, and then select the new hard drive as the target disk.
  2. Step 2: Delete all partitions on the new hard drive by typing `delete partition` and pressing Enter for each partition. Then, create a new primary partition using the `new partition` command and selecting the correct size (465 GB in your case).
  3. Step 3: Create a bootable partition by typing `create partition primary` and assigning it as the first partition on the hard drive. This will ensure that Windows can find the boot loader correctly.
  4. Step 4: Open the Command Prompt again and type `bcdedit /set {default} device \ootootmgr` to update the BCD (Boot Configuration Data) settings.

Using a different cloning software

  1. Step 1: Try using a different cloning software that is known for its compatibility with advanced format drives, such as Acronis True Image or Macrium Reflect. These tools may be able to handle the sector size mismatch and other issues that are causing the STOP error.
  2. Step 2: Make sure to select the correct partition layout and boot loader options when using the new cloning software. This may involve creating a new primary partition and assigning it as the first partition on the hard drive.

🎯 Final Words

To resolve the STOP error when cloning a Windows 7 hard drive onto a new one, try the methods outlined above. If you are still experiencing issues, consider seeking further assistance from Microsoft support or a professional IT technician. Remember to always back up your important data before attempting any cloning or partitioning operations.

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