Hi, I've bought a new OCZ Vertex 3 SSD as I'm upgrading my computer in the coming weeks. I currently have 3 hard drives. What I want to do is do a CLEAN install of Windows 7 onto the SSD and then use the other hard drives as normal. How would I go about doing a clean install onto the SSD? Also what do I do about Windows 7 on my current C: drive after this clean install is complete?
Thanks
I believe there is tutorials on this forums about installing and/or cloning HDD to SDD.
I just recently upgraded to SSD from HDD with clean reinstall of windows 7 there is steps I did:
1) disconnect all other drives exept the one you use to install windows (in my case DVD drive)
2) Do a clean install of windows (this is same as HDD)
3) do updates intall drivers (SSD management software)
4) connect all drives (you can format/repartition old system partition including old 100MB partition if there is no data that you need).
5) configure storage (change documents, music, etc location) to store files on HDD (if SSD storage is not enough)
Windows 7 should detect SSD and configure it self for optimal usage (disable defragmentation etc) you can check for more in you SSD manufacturer software or manual.
Take a look at this Tutorial:
SSD - Install and Transfer the Operating System
It's really no different than installing to a HDD.
Back up your data. Unplug all other drives. Install to the SSD. Update the new installation. Reconnect old drives and do with them as you wish---repartition, etc.
After you have installed Windows on the SSD, confirm alignment. Inspect settings for page file and System Restore. Consider eliminating the hibernation file if you don't use hibernation.
If you don't mind spending $20 (USD), you can use the Paragon Migrate HDD to SSD app to do it for you.
Macrium Reflect has an additional component that will do the same -- with the added feature that you can EXCLUDE filetypes in order to "shrink" your partition size to make it fit on the SSD, but I don't think you can buy it separately.
Mark Phelps is right about Paragon Migrate. It is excellent. It will transfer the OS to the SSD. format it and align it correctly. It will also let you exclude files to shrink the size if necessary. I have used it quite a few times and it has worked perfectly every time. It is not only for SSDs, it works on mechanical hard drives too.
Quote