Windows 7 - Advice and direction on installing OS on new SSD with multiple HHD's

I need to reinstall Windows 7 and decided to install it on a new 120G SSD and then use an exsisting HDD for user accounts and data. After spending days reading past threads and post on the subject I am still not positive of the correct pocedure to follow. I think I read too much.

This was my plan: am I thinking right or not?

1) I have full backups and images on (including Carbonite) on external drives

2) Format an exsisting HDD that should become future drive 'D' for user acct and data

3) unplug all existing drives and install new SSD

4) install Windows 7 64 pro from full install MS SP 1 disk using the TUT 'Relocate user folders during win 7 installation'. I'm not sure if I should keep the boot partition. I'll have plenty of room but don't want sacrifice any speed while booting

5) Plug in other exsisting HDDs

6) install programs to C, transfer/ copy data to formatted HDD which sould now be drive 'D'

7) Done??

Looks simple enough but want to make sure I'm covering everthing and in the right order.

Please advise
Ted

That looks pretty good. If the SSD is new and has never had anything on it, the process is painless.

Most important is to disconnect all drives other than the SSD.

Step 2 could be done after the SSD install if you prefer.

Having a separate boot partition won't help your boot speed. A default install will use a system reserved, but it can be easily excluded. I think it is needed for BitLocker if you intend to use that. If you keep it, you have to image it along with C. I don't use it, but it's harmless and very small.

Sounds like you're well prepared.

You may want to check this tutorial if you haven't already done so.

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

A separate system reserved partition that holds the master boot record can be useful if you want to dual boot at some time in the future and as ignatzatsonic says, it is very small so it won't impact on hard drive space.

I read the 'optimize for windows reinstallation' tutorial. Is any of it really needed for a clean install on a new SSD?

No. You don't need to use diskpart. You can make partitions during the installation. But you should check alignment and a few other things after Windows is installed.

OK, got everything installed the way I wanted. Windows 7 and programs on 'C' and user files on 'D'. But now some things are not what I was expecting and have raised further questions. (If I need to start another thread let me know)

1) I no longer see the 'Documents & Settings' folders in either 'C' or 'D'. Is that normal?
2) When I setup windows backup to make a system image it will not allow me to make an image of just 'C', the boxes are greyed out. It insists that the image must be 'C' and 'D'. My whole reason for putting windows on a separate drive was in case windows ever became corrupt and I need to reinstall, then all I would need to do is install the image and a known good copy of windows and programs would be on'C' and I would not have to worry about my data.

1st question.

Where are my files and folders after upgrading from Windows XP or Windows Vista?

Understanding the Libraries Feature in Windows 7 - How-To Geek

Windows 7 Libraries Explained – And Why You Want Them

I don't use or understand Window Backup well, but I know it has its own ideas about what a "system" file is. It thinks at least some of your system files are not on C. Do you have a "System Reserved" partition (most users don't need it)?? It has some system files in it as well.

I use Macrium and no System Reserved partition. All I need to image is C.

Here's what i've got:http://www.sevenforums.com/attachmen...1&d=1329578036 'D' shows 'system' but i'm not sure what that means Also both 'D' and 'C' have a ProgramData folder but the sub folders are not identical

This is why all other HD's should be unplugged when installing Windows 7. D must have been marked Active because Windows 7 wrote the System boot files to it instead of C as is correct.

To change this mark C Active and D Inactive, reboot into BIOS setup to set C first HD to boot: Partition - Mark as Active
Partition - Mark as Inactive

Then reboot into DVD Repair console or System Repair Disk to run Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times until Windows 7 starts on its own and C holds the System Active boot files. If this fails you'll need to unplug D to force repairs to work.

Once D isn't the System drive try creating a Backup Image again to see if it will still require D to be included as it might since D holds System (User) folders. This is an argument for using the library method to link User folders to another HD easier and without complication: Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums.

If the prob persists and you want to keep it as it is, use Macrium to Image your system
which is a preferred method for many, or use superior Acronis premium imaging/cloning app which comes free if you have any WD or Seagate HD. WD Acronis free cloning app
Seagate Acronis cloning free util