Is repair install my best option?

gregrocker said:

Compare the install you did with the install in the blue link. If it varied much or could benefit from the tools and methods we've discovered over four years work best for Win7, then I'd consider doing a new perfect install.

If your happy with the install you have then the Repair Install might set it right but still will transfer back in some settings that may be corrupt or problematic. Since they take about the same amount of time I'd do the Clean Reinstall. Reinstalling programs should be stretched out over time to see how each affects performance, so I usually wait until the program is needed after reinstall.

Thanks for your help, gregrocker. I have decided that a clean install will be my best bet. I do have a couple questions though.

My Windows 7 os is on my C: SSD, which only contains the os and programs. My D: HDD is 3TB and holds all my data, such as movies, music, word documents, and so on. When I save files, they point to the D: HDD. I also have my desktop pointed to the HDD. So everything except installed programs and the os are on the D: HDD.

1) Since my setup points things in Windows 7 towards my D: HDD, will I be able to disconnect the D: HDD, clean install the os on C: SSD, then reconnect my D: HDD and it will be recognized and work perfectly fine. I might have to redo the settings to make the os point to the D: HDD, but it will work properly without having to back up, then transfer all the data back onto it. Is this correct?

2) if the above is true, do i even need to back up my D: HDD (secondary HDD)?
3) is there any chance my D: HDD wouldn't be recognized or would not work properly once the os is reinstalled on the C: SSD?

Also, I just want to stress that I have done some research and have seen that secondary HDDs should be safe after a clean reinstall, but I redirected stuff to save and be located on the secondary drive. I just want to make sure the secondary drive will work with my new clean install

I don't see how your HD will be affected by reinstall to SSD so long as you unplug it during reinstall.

If you've moved the shell User folders to the HDD as shown in User Folders - Change Default Location
then you'll need to do that again, or perhaps if you haven't yet you should try it. Another method is to simply right click each data partition User folder to add it to the related Library - Include a Folder
then in the Library set the data drive as default download location for that library.

Of course it's always best to have your data backed up externally to another HD or external HD, or using a modern method like Sync, Backup and Store your Files to the Cloud with Skydrive - Windows 7 Forums.

gregrocker, thanks again. I did move the user folders, and can easily do so again. I will perform a clean install tomorrow and post results here. Thanks for your help

Remember to stick with the tools and methods in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 (same for retail) which will assure you get and keep a perfect install to the exact extent that you do.

Just wanted to update...I've tried reinstalling, but was met with errors while using the official disc I originally installed from. I ended up deleting all partitions on the C: SSD, but to no avail. I just removed my 8GB ram module from slot 2, and the install looks like its going to finish. Is this common or even heard of?

I'm hoping when I get the install up and running I can add the ram module back in without any hiccups. Advice?

This is a pretty common installation workaround. You 'll have to see how it runs with stick added back after install.

Test your RAM just to be sure for 5-6 passes or overnight with RAM - Test with Memtest86+

The first thing I would have tried is wiping the HD with Diskpart Clean Command
and defining an Active partition from Option 2 of SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

The install went through with 1 8GB ram module. And Yes I plan on running memtest. I will update once finished

I just reattached the 8GB ram module in slot 2 to see if windows would start with it.

When I power on, I see my MoBo logo screen, then a black screen that sort of flickers slightly, then a mouse arrow appears for a couple seconds, then screen flickers, then the cycle happens agai, with the mouse arrow appearing after a few more flickers. Am about to run memtest, but this looks like a ram problem, doesn't it?

The test should tell. Follow the RAM - Test with Memtest86+ steps to test each stick and slot.