Adding an SSD and finding all the Win7 Drivers

John45 · 10 Jul 2014

I've bought a Kingston 240GB V300 SSD. I want to install this in my Acer AD3920 i3 2100 processor Desktop. I want to use the SSD for Win7 and files that I use a lot. I want to retain the original 1TB Hard drive for storage. I assume that any SATA cable would be okay by what I read.

So I can install Win7 Pro 64Bit from a bootable USB that I have, I hope! What I want to know is will it be easy to then search my Hard Drive for the drivers. Last time I installed W7 I had a big problem finding the drivers. Any pointers would be really helpful.

Sorry this is a different computer from my System Spec

ps I'm not too good with computers ..........thanks

ignatzatsonic · 10 Jul 2014

You can follow this tutorial:

Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

You should go to Acer site and download the Ethernet (NIC) driver for your PC before you begin.

You can download other Acer drivers if you want to, but you likely won't need most or all of them because a legit Windows 7 install disc has the vast majority of drivers.

Did you download the files on that bootable USB stick from somewhere?

How do you intend to activate a new installation?

You might be able to transfer your current installation to the SSD through a cloning or imaging process, but a clean install is a good choice if you are willing to do it.

John45 · 10 Jul 2014

Thanks ... not so easy for me maybe ... I might have to ask for help from my friend. He made the bootable USB for me and I still have an unused W7 pro key, so will be okay with that I think. The USB was legit by the way.

When I last installed I had problems finding and installing the drivers for the GT520 graphics card, Acer changed the card under warranty as the original one failed.

Pity I just wanted to do this myself.

gregrocker · 11 Jul 2014

You can most certainly do it yourself, and if you need help we are here as needed. We've helped tens of thousands of users directly do these reinstalls without a single complaint. Your reward is a perfect install which will stay that way as long as you stick with the steps, tools and methods in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

If there's any question about the installer, the latest official one is provided in the tutorial. Use the Product Key on the COA sticker if it's Win7 so as not to waste a license since you own that one for life of the PC.

Delete all partitions during the booted install as given in tutorial as none of them will be needed after reinstall.

Pay close attention to how drivers are handled in the first driver-complete OS. Only import those which are missing after all rounds of Windows Updates are done. You'll only need to replace Standard VGA display driver if it's what's provided.

As back all the questions needed. Let us know how it goes.

John45 · 12 Jul 2014

Thanks Greg

I think it's quite easy after 'googling'. Unplug the Hard Drive. Set the Bios to boot from USB. Check Chip SATA is AHCI. Attach new SSD and press GO.

Later if short of drivers let it search the HD ... I've backed the two driver files up anyway and found the GT520 drivers in Prog Files x86. Seems like W7 driver files aren't always where you think they maybe.

gregrocker · 12 Jul 2014

You will get and keep a perfect install to the exact extent you stick with the tools, methods and steps in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

I would treat the old install's drivers like a drivers disk - dated as soon as its pressed. Use the latest from the OEM's Support Downloads webpage if any are missing after all rounds of Windows Updates.