W7 on separate SSD

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 6
    Vista 64 bit
       #1

    W7 on separate SSD


    Hi All,

    New to this forum, sorry I didn't find alot sooner :)

    I am waiting for my new 128 SSD and Windows 7. I currently have Vista on my Hard dirve. I would like to make the W7/SSD the new boot drive and just use the Vista HDD for storage.

    Need some help on setting this up.

    Thanks in advance!
      My Computer


  2. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #2

    I wrote a little guide for this purpose. If you have further questions, post back: SSD - Install and Transfer the Operating System

    PS: Brink is right. if you make a new Win7 install from an installation disk, things are a lot easier. I recommend though to disconnect the HDD during the Win7 installation. You may still want to read the part about moving the user files.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 72,041
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #3

    Hello Captain Morgan, and welcome to Seven Forums.

    If you have a retail copy of Windows 7, then you could format the Vista HDD during a clean install of Windows 7, then just select the SSD to install Windows 7 on.

    Before you start, be sure that you have AHCI mode selected instead of IDE in your BIOS settings.

    Hope this helps,
    Shawn
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 4,517
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #4

    Your choice which way to proceed but, I too am a big supporter of just doing a clean install onto the new SSD.

    Although it is quite possible to just move things over, a clean install may actually be much simpler in the long run.
    Also the fact a clean installation is always a plus :)

    As suggested, make sure you switch to AHCI mode.
    But I would also like to add:
    Unplug the other HD, leaving only the SSD connected when you do the clean install.
    Hook the other back up back up once Windows is installed and up & running.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 578
    Windows 7 Pro x64
       #5

    If you want to do a clean install on the SSD please disconnect the other drive while you are doing the install. And make sure you put the SSD on the first SATA port in the system. Which will be labeled either port 0 (zero) or 1 depending on how the manufacturer labels them.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6
    Vista 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    THANKS for all the help and guides!

    Joe
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 72,041
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #7

    You're most welcome Joe. Glad we could help. :)
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 6
    Vista 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Hi All,

    Back for more help...arrgh!

    Ok, I removed hard drive with instaleed vista. Inserted SSD and installed W7 from the cd.

    But, I must have missed something. W7 is up and running just fine :)
    I put the Vista HDD back in, (front expansion sata) rack.

    Now, it seems whatever I do, the system can't find the HDD. I 've tried the CMOS and it's not there and W7 doesn't detect either?

    Thanks,
    Joe
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 72,041
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #9

    Hello Joe,

    Does it show up in Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc)?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 6
    Vista 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #10

    No, it doesn't show up there.
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 19:32.
Find Us