Windows 7 - installing new SSD hard drive.

I have a new hard drive on it's way. It is a SSD so naturally I want my Win 7 Installation on it. I have purchased 6 total licences for Windows 7. Currently using 3 , I donot know if I have a remaining unused licence. I don't want to have to buy it again. What is the easiest way for me to do this installation. (I am using an upgrade disk otherwise , this probably wouldn't even be an issue.) I really would like to start fresh also.

The best way is to do a clean install. Clean install with an upgrade disk. you may want to follow this tutorial on prepare HDD/SSD for reinstall. You will not need to run the 'clean all' command as you have a new SSD. also go to the part about alignment. Recommend disconnect all other hard drives except the SSD, and install the SSD to port 0. Boot from the installation DVD. at the first window, do not select your language, hold down shift and press F10 and a command window will appear. This is how I do mine. I did this for an example. You will have only 1 hard drive so will probably select disk 0.



Then you will type 'exit' and press enter, twice and will be back at the language window. Proceed as usual but do not format the drive as you already have done that.

You shouldn't have to buy a new license just because you are installing a new hard drive. You will likely have to reactivate Windows.


The upgrade disc will work as well as a "full" version. You might have to make a simple registry change after the install to get it activated.

Installation on a new SSD is very simple--no different than a regular hard drive. Windows 7 will recognize that it is an SSD and make a few necessary adjustments.

Unplug any other hard drives you may have in the PC before you begin.

Decide on your partition plans and back up your data before you start.

Thanks for the help. I am now confident I will be able to get the drive installed with windows.