So this is probably a silly question that has been answered a hundred times already, but I couldn't find any specifics in my search.
I'm doing a clean erase and a reinstall of Windows 7 on my 80g SSD. It's basically just my boot drive. I was wondering how this will effect all the programs I have installed on my 1T HDD E: drive. Will I have to reinstall all those programs as well?
If the programs in E: were installed they will have to be installed again. Installing an application is more than just copying files to the installation folder. There will be registry entries and more that only the application installer knows how to deal with.
You will not be able to use all those programs...that's sure...
You would have been able to use those programs if you have kept a system image as a backup...
Just have a look at System Image Recovery for image backup tutorials
and check https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/?filter[2]=Backup%20Restore for other backup options
I would want an SSD large enough to include programs, or install most-used programs to the SSD, to benefit from the increased speed. Programs should also be on the System drive because they integrate themselves into the registry and become a part of the OS until uninstalled.
In the future as suggested after its set up and running best Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
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