Windows 7: Questions about Installing SSD on a Custom PC

Hey Sevenforums,

I've been reading here for some time now but I just signed up because I have a few questions that I can't seem to get the answers too.

First off, I have a custom PC that I built half a year ago. I have Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit installed on this PC. At the time of the build I didn't know there was such a thing as SSD but now after researching, I've found out that I absolutely need one! The problem is that I already have a Seagate 1TB Hardrive on my PC. I was planning to just use the SSD to boot the Windows 7 and run specific programs like Adobe Photoshop.

I've read through tutorials and search threads online. I understand how to install the SSD drive physically into my chassis/case but don't understand how to migrate or "clean" install windows 7 on the SSD.

Since I installed Windows 7 on my HDD already can I still install Windows 7 on the SSD without it asking me to enter my Serial Number again? I believe the Serial Number can only be used once so how can I install Windows 7 again without the serial number?

Let's say I get windows 7 on the SSD. Doesn't that mean I will have two Windows 7 OS on my PC? I understand if I change the boot order to boot the SSD first that will cancel out the one from the HDD but would I have to remove the Windows 7 from the HDD since it would be using space on my SSD?

Please try and help me out. Thanks a lot

Hi and welcome here!

You can do a clean install only by entering the serial number. I guess you have a OEM windows disk which is said to be able to be used 'one' , am i right?
It is actually in connection with the motherboard, when you use the key first it will send the motherboard's unique serial number to microsoft as far as i know.
So i think you can do a clean install now!

Aaaand please fill in your system specs, because there might be an other solution as well

It depends mostly on the license type you have (OEM vs Retail), but either way, if you are upgrading the hard drive of the same system, you should be fine to reactivate. If it fails online, then a simple phone call will fix it.

Also, you speak of having both copy of Windows.

What you will need to do (legally speaking) is once you have Windows 7 installed on the SSD you will need to format your Windows partition on the HDD. (Back up your data first!) Technically speaking, Windows shouldn't have an issue with it, as it is on the same machine... but legally speaking, you are only allowed to have a product key installed on one installation at a time.

You should have no problem doing a clean install. As already pointed out, you should be able to install as many times as you like, as long as it is on the same machine. If you want to transfer the OS from your present hardware to the SSD there is a tutorial about transfering the OS, I believe the tutorial mentions that the easy way is a $19.95 program called Paragon Migrate. I have used it several times and it is great, it will format, align and install the os from a HD to the SSD.

"...titulated..." ???

I'm not a native English speaker, but i try to be polite or something like that. Sorry for using expressions that sound funny i guess, rare words or expressions that i want to say often sound funny because of the lack of the grammatical practice

edit: edit...

I'm sure it's just something in the translation.
If it doesn't get deleted, I wouldn't worry about it.

Thanks a lot for all the replies!

So let me get this straight, I can install my version of windows 7 on the ssd no problems since its on the same computer. After I installed the OS on the ssd, do I have to transfer my user account? Also how do you delete the partition of windows 7 off of the hardrive? Once I do that, will I have to re-install all my drivers and programs such as microsoft word to the hardrive?

Also, I keep reading on "trim", do I have to do something related to trim as well? Or will the SSD self adjust?

Let me know and please correct me if I'm wrong, I might not have the concept fully understood yet. Thanks!

Hey essenbe, I actually might try this method. When would I use this program though? For example, would I have to install the ssd as the secondary drive or the primary drive? Once I download the program, it will transfer the OS and other programs I want into the ssd?

Windows will align the SSD and install as normal. Just like any other hard drive, you need to install your drivers. Windows should initiate trim automatically and turn off defrag. You can check those things after install. I turn defrag to manual to be sure, but windows usually takes care of that.