Windows 7: Can I install on non-bootable SSD?

Hi there all - have a problem using an SSD on my Dell Laptop.
In short - exchanging the internal drive with an SSD is a real hastle due to the way this paricular laptop is built so i am exploring for an easier solution.
I have purchased an adapter that holds a drive or SSD and fits instead of the DVD drive. When connected windows from the main drive recognise it as second drive and all is hanky-dory
the issue is that i want to install windows on the SSD but the SSD is not recognised as bootable by the BIOS and after seeing it is a common issue with no solution on many web pages i have left wondering if there is a way of booting windows from thehard drive but somehow diverting it to the SSD - maybe hard linking all system files or something...
any creative solutions out there?

how about creating junction points for all system folders (windows, program files, etc) is that feasable?

If you can set the DVD drive to boot first you should be able to set the SSD to do so in BIOS setup.
See if you can set the SSD as Primary, then set it to boot first in BIOS boot order listings.

Then disable the HD in BIOS setup or remove it to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

Afterwards re-enable the HD, click on it's User folders to add to the related Library - Include a Folder.

Later when you're ready to delete the old OS on HD, move the User folders and other data off to delete it's partition in Disk Mgmt, create a new one to move data back on, link to Libraries.

thanks for the advice but no go there i'm afraid. dvd will boot happily as first in boot order but not the ssd in it's adapter - the bios simply do not recognise it as bootable device - seems to be a known issue when searching on google - not sure if these adapters are to blame or the bios but i could not find any solution to get the bios to boot from it

I explained that you must often first change the choice of Primary HD to the SSD in the storage listings in BIOS Setup. Only then will the SSD and not the HD allow you to set it first to boot.

Hi again - I have no such option in the laptop's bios. It states the drives (with the SSD marked as SATA ODD) but has no option for marking which one is primary or even hiding,..

You can try Dual Booting with Windows 7 on the HD, then hide the listing on the HD so it starts up to SSD.

Boot the Windows 7 installer to install to SSD, which should configure a Dual Boot with Windows 7 on the HD. Then you can hide any listings on the Dual Boot menu at Computer>Properties>Advanced System Settings>Startup.

Link the User folders on HD by rightclicking each one to add to the related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums