In need of simplified install instructions for SSD (please read).

Anesthetize · 17 Jun 2011

Because when talking about locations, you finished up by saying 'Do that for each file that has a location tab in properties. Some will not. Leave them alone, those are junction points.' I didn't go through each file, I went to each folder that constained the files and done it, dnd they all had location tabs. And when I now click on Start, then on Documents it shows 'E/users/Brett' (which has a couple of documents from before) then 'C/users/Brett' (which is empty) and then somehow 'contacts' got put in there underneath.

Also, the User folders 'Brett' and 'Public' didn't copy over smoothly, and now I'm not even sure if they copied over in their entirety because I still have some stray files left over in the C/Users/Public folders.

I don't know. It just feels a bit all over the place. I think I'd be much happier starting from scratch with the knowledge of any mistakes I may have made to this point.

So how about it? is there an easy way to wipe these drives and install windows fresh again?

Thanks again for the help so far.

essenbe · 17 Jun 2011

You will lose everything, so back up anything you want to keep.
For the Samsung. Go to disk management, Right click on the Samsung and select delete partition(or volume), you will get a warning, then it will be deleted. Right click on it again, and select new simple volume, name it whatever you want nad quick format is good. Create a new volume. You did this yesterday except the delete part.

If you want to secure erase the ssd here is complete instructions from OCZ and a link to download Parted Magic.
Download the iso file and burn it to a CD. Unplug the power to the ssd and boot from the CD using the one time boot menu, mine is F11. Select the CD and it will boot from it. When the program gets fully loaded, plug the power cable back into the SSD and follow the instructions in the link. They are very explicit instructions. When completed, the SSD will be exactly like it was when brand new. then start over just like yesterday. That is also a very good program to have around, you will find other uses for it in the future.

Anesthetize · 17 Jun 2011

essenbe said:

You will lose everything, so back up anything you want to keep.
For the Samsung. Go to disk management, Right click on the Samsung and select delete partition(or volume), you will get a warning, then it will be deleted. Right click on it again, and select new simple volume, name it whatever you want nad quick format is good. Create a new volume. You did this yesterday except the delete part.

If you want to secure erase the ssd here is complete instructions from OCZ and a link to download Parted Magic.
Download the iso file and burn it to a CD. Unplug the power to the ssd and boot from the CD using the one time boot menu, mine is F11. Select the CD and it will boot from it. When the program gets fully loaded, plug the power cable back into the SSD and follow the instructions in the link. They are very explicit instructions. When completed, the SSD will be exactly like it was when brand new. then start over just like yesterday. That is also a very good program to have around, you will find other uses for it in the future.

I don't have anything installed other than what was installed from the motherboard disc, so I don't need to back anything up.

I'll try and follow things as stated, and when everything is done, I'll come back here and carry on from where I left off.

Thanks again mate :)

essenbe · 17 Jun 2011

Be sure to let me know how it goes. It is not as complicated as it seems. You don't have to secure erase there are other options.
and if it asks about enhanced secure erase select no.

theog · 17 Jun 2011

Before you go, read all tutorials, & print them out if you would like.
SSD - Install and Transfer the Operating System
SSD Tweaks and Optimizations in Windows 7
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation
User Profile - Change Default Location
User Folders - Change Default Location

whs & essenbe if I missed any, can you add on.

whs · 17 Jun 2011

I just logged in. But I think Steve gave you all the answers.

In terms of partitions - you need those in order to get a partition letter. Else you will not be able to see the drive other than in Disk Management. You can, of course, make a whole drive one partition and subdivide it with folders. That depends on your preferences whether you rather work withing folders only or with folders within a partition. Below is a picture of my 3 internal disks on this system - just to give you an idea.

PS: If you look closely, you may notice that the bootmgr for Windows7 is sitting in the images partition on one of the HDDs. When I installed Win7, I could not get the plugs off that HDD - LOL. I never fixed that because I sometimes use it as a "bad example". But maybe one day I should.

essenbe · 17 Jun 2011

theog, I think you covered them all. Thanks

essenbe · 17 Jun 2011

WHS, just a curiosity question. In your Vista drive, the MBR files are not in the recovery partition? On my Dell the boot files are in the recovery partition.

Bare Foot Kid · 17 Jun 2011

essenbe said:

WHS, just a curiosity question. In your Vista drive, the MBR files are not in the recovery partition? On my Dell the boot files are in the recovery partition.

His Disk 1 P: Images is the "System" system volume partition, we tried to get him to sort that a while back but whs seems to be pleased with the way things are.

essenbe · 17 Jun 2011

Bare Foot Kid said:

essenbe said:

WHS, just a curiosity question. In your Vista drive, the MBR files are not in the recovery partition? On my Dell the boot files are in the recovery partition.

His Disk 1 P: Images is the "System" system volume partition, we tried to get him to sort that a while back but whs seems to be pleased with the way things are.

I think he likes to use it for demonstration. I deleted my recovery on my Dell and did a clean install.