I installed a new SSD with windows 7 while unplugging my old HDD. Now I would like to remove Windows 7 on the old HDD while keeping the current data. What is the best method for this? I have attached a screenshot of my disk management which was requested when I did a search on this from others. I don't want to do a full format and lose my files.
Shrink the old Win7 partition by as much as you want for a new User data partition, create a new partition in the space, sort all of your User data into the User folders, copy them there.
Partition or Volume - Shrink
Partition or Volume - Create New
Now from the new WIn7 add each folder to the related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums. Set each data folder as the default save location for that Library - Set Save Folder - Windows 7 Help Forums.
Once all data is off the old Win7 partition, mark the System Reserved partition on that HD Inactive: Partition - Mark as Inactive - Windows 7 Forums. Then delete the old System Reserved and Windows 7 partitions in DIsk Mgmt: Partition or Volume - Delete.
You can now either create a new partition in that deleted space, or resize the new data partition into it using Partition Wizard bootable CD to Resize Partition - Video Help. We have never had a partition resizing operation fail with either Disk Mgmt or Partition Wizard bootable CD, but the data should be backed up first anyway because the risk exists.
One final thing: As long as the OS HD is not in Disk0, there is a chance the System boot files can be derailed to a preceding Primary partition during any Startup Repairs or Reinstalls. The solutions to this are: power down to swap the data cable if possible to make the new WIn7 SSD DISK0, making sure to also set it first drive to boot in BIOS setup; or make the new data partitions on the HD Logical which is better for data partitions because they cannot accept boot files: Partition / Extended : Logical Drives - Windows 7 Forums. Partition Wizard can also create Logical partitions, as well as do everything else given here.
Last edited by gregrocker; 12 Dec 2013 at 19:41.
No need to switch cables. The SSD must stay on the 6Gb port.
To make it simple - just backup all your files to e.g. an external disk. And don't forget your browser Favorites (easy mistake). Then reformat this disk and make a new partition.
In this new partition make folders for Documents, etc. Give them a slightly different name like Documents2, Music2, Videos2 and Pictures2 - or whatever.
Move your data into these folders. Then right click on each folder and INCLUDE it into the appropriate library.
Done.
That's a good reason not to have the new SSD in DISK0 then. If you'll make your data drives Logical it will avoid any future problems although it's always best to unplug all other HD's during Repairs or Reinstall anyway.
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