Ok, windows is installed, but that is all I have done. When should I install drivers, any bios updates that may be needed, windows updates etc.? Should I move user files 1st? In other words, what order should I do all of this in and how do I control which programs go to which drive?
The HDD/mechanical drive is still bare/ has not been formatted. I'm guessing it needs to be partitioned into at least 2. One for programs and apps and the other for data files etc.
You can disable those if you wish, but with 128gb it's not a necesity. unless you have 50 GBs of applications, your entire disk usage should be less than 30gb.
i wouldn't reccommend registry hacks, as you risk the chance of an update or installation undoing or corrupting the hack.
In fact, you could possibly leave everything intact and only move videos to your external hard drive.
You already have most if not all drivers simply by installing Windows. Look in Device Manager and see if there are any errors.Ok, windows is installed, but that is all I have done. When should I install drivers, any bios updates that may be needed, windows updates etc.? Should I move user files 1st? In other words, what order should I do all of this in and how do I control which programs go to which drive?
The HDD/mechanical drive is still bare/ has not been formatted. I'm guessing it needs to be partitioned into at least 2. One for programs and apps and the other for data files etc.
I'd do Windows Updates immediately and get anti-virus going.
Make sure all your hardware works. Printer, etc.
Do some basic Windows configuration--get sound going, set screen resolution, inspect page file, inspect system restore, etc.
Decide where you are going to put programs. Normally, put them all on the SSD unless you have a major space problem.
I'd try to put all programs on SSD and most or all data on HDD. You can put some data on SSD and some on HDD, but that is pretty much pointless and will complicate your backups.
I wouldn't put user files at the top of my list of stuff to do.
windows updates, then drivers that Windows does not automatically install (unless windows does not find the network driver). bios update aren't always reccommended if there's nothing that needs to be fixed.Ok, windows is installed, but that is all I have done. When should I install drivers, any bios updates that may be needed, windows updates etc.? Should I move user files 1st? In other words, what order should I do all of this in and how do I control which programs go to which drive?
The HDD/mechanical drive is still bare/ has not been formatted. I'm guessing it needs to be partitioned into at least 2. One for programs and apps and the other for data files etc.
I'd reccommend making the HDD into one big partition, so you don't find yourself with one partition completely full and the other nearly empty. When you install applications, one of the steps should allow you to choose a installation path. Assuming that your HDD has drive letter D, change "C:/Program Files" or "C:/Program Files (x86)" to "D:/Program Files" or "D:/Program Files (x86), respectively.
I'd reccommend having the following folders in your HDD:
Program Files/
Program Files (x86)/
Videos/ (media folders such as videos, music, or pictures should be in root)
User/ (use this folder for anything you think should outsource to the HDD, such as torrent download folder)
I would install my programs to the SSD since they write to the registry which integrates them into the OS, and should be included in it's image which is the modern way to handle reinstalls.
You can link your User folders or entire User profile to another HD, but an easier method is to set up a similar file system on the HD and then simply rightclick to add those folders to the related Library. Done.
User Folders - Change Default Location
User Profile - Change Default Location
Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums
Adapt the steps given here to get a perfect install and setup, including using the drivers given by installer and optional Windows Updates without changing any out unless performance dictates doing so: Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
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