New Computer, Windows 7 not running well

You can keep HD plugged in as secondary to boot if needed using one-time BIOS Boot menu key.

When ready to get rid of the OS I'd wipe the HD with Diskpart Clean Command to clean boot code from the boot sector which can sometimes interfere, then repartition as a data storage drive: Partition or Volume - Create New.

What size is the SSD? If large enough I'd put OS, Programs, and data on it. But if it gets crowded copy your User folders to HD, then rightclick each to add to the related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums. Once they show up there, delete content of the C User folder but leave it in the Library so you can see if anything gets written there and drag it to the HD User folder.

Only if the SSD is too small would I uninstall lesser used programs to reinstall them to HD, cut paging file to 2 gb, consider disabling Hibernate file which is really quite convenient.

gregrocker said:

You can keep HD plugged in as secondary to boot if needed using one-time BIOS Boot menu key.

When ready to get rid of the OS I'd wipe the HD with Diskpart Clean Command to clean boot code from the boot sector which can sometimes interfere, then repartition as a data storage drive: Partition or Volume - Create New.

What size is the SSD? If large enough I'd put OS, Programs, and data on it. But if it gets crowded copy your User folders to HD, then rightclick each to add to the related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums. Once they show up there, delete content of the C User folder but leave it in the Library so you can see if anything gets written there and drag it to the HD User folder.

Only if the SSD is too small would I uninstall lesser used programs to reinstall them to HD, cut paging file to 2 gb, consider disabling Hibernate file which is really quite convenient.

The SSD is 120 GB and the HDD is 1 TB. I will have a new GPU on Monday so I would like to get both drives wiped and reset tomorrow. I have the Windows 7 OS on each drive. I will wipe each of them using the methods you provided. Probably wipe the OS on the SSD from the HDD and put the OS on and then wipe the HDD after booting from the SSD. Now my motherboard came with a disc for all of its drivers. Should I not be using that? Should I just put the OS on and then run it? I am not familiar with these things. I am only just entering the computer building world. Also, what would you recommend for the best free Antivirus software and then the best paid for one? Just so I can consider my options. Thank you again so much for all the help that you two have given me!

I'd adapt these same steps for Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to assure you get and keep a perfect reinstall, using the tools and methods which work best for Win7. Drivers are covered within.

You can also wipe your HD's with Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command from the booted installer accessing DISKPART : At PC Startup.

With 120gb SSD I'd keep all the Programs, Files, System managed Paging File and Hibernate file on it. Just use the HD for storage and backup image of your OS. To keep your image smaller you may want to create a data partition on the SSD, copy the User folders onto it and link them back to the related Library - Include a Folder. This is described in the tutorial.

gregrocker said:

If you still have your install on SSD it might work now with a new GPU. Try it.

If not follow the steps in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 (same for retail OEM) to get a perfect install.

Just a quick question here. What is the difference of burning the ISO to a DVD or flash drive versus using the Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit disc I already have? Can I just use the disc? There is nothing of personal value on the drives. I just want to totally wipe them clean, like new, and install the OS on the SSD and use the HDD for storage of files when I eventually fill up my SSD (Not to mention my 6500 songs that will have to go onto the HDD haha).

gregrocker said:

I'd adapt these same steps for Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to assure you get and keep a perfect reinstall, using the tools and methods which work best for Win7. Drivers are covered within.

You can also wipe your HD's with Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command from the booted installer accessing DISKPART : At PC Startup.

With 120gb SSD I'd keep all the Programs, Files, System managed Paging File and Hibernate file on it. Just use the HD for storage and backup image of your OS. To keep your image smaller you may want to create a data partition on the SSD, copy the User folders onto it and link them back to the related Library - Include a Folder. This is described in the tutorial.

Okay! I understood the first part but I got a little lost around the last part. I was planning, when the Windows 7 installer program is running off the disc, on choosing the SSD and clicking the New button in drive options and then hitting Apply for the 100 mb System Partition it makes. Is that what you are referring to? I have never made a backup image before either, but you said it is covered in the tutorial so I should be fine then!?

gregrocker said:

It shows how to create our partition in Steps 6/7 in Clean Install Windows 7.

What is it exactly you don't understand in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 Everything is covered there.

You're 100% right, I am sorry, it is late and I am exhausted haha. I just want my brand new computer to work haha. The only question I have left is what the difference between burning the ISO to a disc versus using the windows 7 install disc I have is. I am sorry to bother you but truly, thank you so much for all of your help

Okay so I used the Diskpart strategy to wipe both drives clean via Shift+F10 at the installer screen. I installed the OS onto the SSD with the 100 MB System Reserve and formatted the HDD after installing all of the Updates. The only driver I loaded from the disk was the LAN driver because the ethernet cable was not being recognized. I am just about to do a system image thingymerbob and save it onto my HDD and maybe even a separate disk to be safe. I will install Microsoft Security Essentials like you recommended in your guide. Is there anything else I should do or am forgetting? You have helped me so much and I really truly appreciate it noble anonymous internet savior. Hopefully when I get the new GPU on Monday I will have no issues whatsoever.

Here is an update. I have everything running without the GPU. I am even installing some of the games I will be playing. But I thought I would try to boot in Safe Mode to see if everything was really fixed. Upon entering safe mode, my computer loads all of the files but then once it gets to the welcome screen it restarts and brings me back to the ASRock splash screen. What could this mean? Should I worry?

It's hard to fathom why it would perform fine in normal mode but then reboot when trying to get into Safe Mode. Are you saying you connected malfunctioning GPU to try booting Safe Mode first? Can you try your brother's GPU again or wait until you get your new one?

Keep in mind it only really matters how it performs in normal mode. But I can understand why you'd want to know what is causing this.

If this is occurring even without the problem GPU, then one thing you can do is to work progressively backward in System Restore to see what was installed that fouls it out in Safe Mode. If you get back to the bare install before Updates where install was done to a wiped drive then it's truly an anomaly. You could wipe and reinstall again without the HD attached to see if it recreates.

Try unplugging the other HD before booting into Safe Mode.