Windows 7: Reinstalling Windows on a New HD

I've recently purchased an SSD and would like to utilize it as a boot drive. I am happy with my configuration and would like just to install Windows 7 on the SSD and use it to boot -- with all other hardware and drives remaining without change. Is that possible? If so, would you please provide some guidance. Thanks

Hello.


If you just add the SSD and install an OS to it and don't remove the old OS Windows will configure a dual boot between the 2 separate Operating Systems and that will have to be dealt with.

The best way to go is to disconnect the Hard Disk Drive with the "older" OS on it and then add the SSD and connect it to the #1 SATA port on the mobo and set it as the second boot device after the CD/DVD drive in the BIOS and do a clean install to the SSD as usual.

How to Do a Clean Installation with Windows 7


Then when the "new" OS is booting and all is well, power down and reconnect the other HDD to deal with the older OS at will; be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

Thanks for your reply. I already have Windows 7 installed on a WD 7200rpm SATA drive and would like to replace that as the boot drive with the SSD. Preferably, I'd like to do it without having to reinstall all other apps. Am I asking to much of the OS? ;-)

Thanks!

How much space does the OS take up on the WD and how big is the SSD?

If you want to run Windows 7 on your new SSD then you'll need to reinstall your programs to it. The programs should reside on the same drive as the OS since they write registry keys which integrate them into the OS.

If your SSD has limited space, then you can link to the active User folders on the old HD using this method: User Folders - Change Default Location

It's normally best to delete the old OS partition. Either move the active User folders to a new partition on the old HD you create for your data, then delete the old OS partition using Diskpart "Delete Partition Override" Command; or keep User folders in place and delete the other OS folders by taking ownership first: Take Ownership Shortcut
DiskPart Command-Line Options

Thanks for the replies. The SSD is 64GB and Windows and all sub folders total 16GB.

Perhaps you can copy your User files into new install to check the fit, then wipe your old HD to use as storage for backup image and files, later move the active User files there when needed.
Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command

Here are some tips to get a perfect install so after imaging you never have to reinstall again: re-install windows 7