Do I need to format my SSD before doing a fresh Win 7 intall?


  1. AndyW1984
    Posts : 4
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       New #1

    Do I need to format my SSD before doing a fresh Win 7 intall?


    Hi all,

    I have just purchased a new SSD (OCZ Agility 3 120GB) and have just a couple of question before i take the plunge and enjoy what I have been told is the best bang for buck upgrade I could of got.

    1. Do i need to format the SSD straight out of the box before using it for a fresh install of Win 7?

    2. If i unplug my existing hard drive and then plug my new ssd in and install windows, can i then plug my old HD in and format it from the new windows installation?

    Many thanks in advance and I apologise if there are already posts on this but after hours of sifting i couldn't find a definative answer. :)
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  3. ignatzatsonic
    Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       New #2

    The SSD will be formatted automatically as part of the Win 7 install process. You don't need to independently format it.

    Yes, you will be able to plug the old drive back in and have your way with it---reformat, retrieve data, etc. Be sure it is unplugged before you install to the SSD.
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  4. seavixen32
    Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       New #3

    Have a look at this useful tutorial: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation
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  6. AndyW1984
    Posts : 4
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Excellent, thank you for the prompt reply. Think i will still back-up my data before i give it the old unplug reinstall. Looking forward to booting up with it!
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  7. seavixen32
    Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       New #5

    You're most welcome.

    Backing up your important data first is an excellent idea.

    Please post back to let us know how you get on or if you need further help.
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  8. essenbe
    Posts : 26,869
    Windows 11 Pro
       New #6

    The tutorial linked by Seavixen is excellent, but the 'clean all' command is not necessary on a new SSD.
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  10. AndyW1984
    Posts : 4
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
    Thread Starter
       New #7

    Just a quick note to say thank you for the info guys. The drive is all installled lovely, just having a few issues with the stupid 2.5 to 3.5 adapter i got! But the ssd is fantastic, definately one of the best upgrades I have done.

    Next stop mobo and processor!

    Again big thank you for all your advise.
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  11. linnemeyerhere
    Posts : 11,424
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       New #8

    One of the best adapters with a SSD are Velcro dots and place the drive behind the mobo if your case allows and then you don't use a drive space at all.
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  12. seavixen32
    Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       New #9

    AndyW1984 said:
    Just a quick note to say thank you for the info guys. The drive is all installled lovely, just having a few issues with the stupid 2.5 to 3.5 adapter i got! But the ssd is fantastic, definately one of the best upgrades I have done.

    Next stop mobo and processor!

    Again big thank you for all your advise.
    You're very welcome.

    Pleased to hear the upgrade is going well and thanks for the update.
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