Solved How to clean install Windows 7 to SSD upgrade on existing system?

[Monumental]

I'll be buying an OCZ Vertex 2 or Agility 2 in the next few weeks, but before doing so I want to get this straight.

I have an existing building with an HDD with Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit installed. My intent is to add an SDD make it my system/boot drive. I want to leave the Users folder on my HDD. Programs Files and Program Data will also stay on HDD, though I may put some programs on the SDD later.

I prefer to do a clean install of Windows on the new drive. I've found a tutorial on this site for changing the default location of a User profile. So, it seems pretty straightforward that after I've installed Windows on one drive to have it recognize user profiles on another drive. I'm just not clear on how to get rid of Windows on the original drive that I'll still be using for data.

I don't have a third drive to transfer all of the data to while doing this.

So is there any step-by-step guide out there on how to do this?

Here are the steps as I see it, please let me know if I'm screwed up somewhere.
1. Unplug HDD and plug SSD in mobo in same place
2. Install windows on SSD as normal
3. Add HDD
4. Change Users location in Windows to HDD drive
5. Can I then just uninstall Windows from the HDD? Will that delete the Users folder and profiles? This is where I'm stumped and can't find any info! Please help!

Thanks!

 

[gregrocker]

You're just going about it slightly askew:

You want to install your OS and Programs to the SSD, since programs write registry keys to the OS such that they are integrated into it until uninstalled.

So just back up your active User folders externally, then copy them into a freshly wiped HD which is Primary partitioned NTFS. You can also back up the System image to it's own partition on that HD, but I'd back up the User folders to external.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/615-backup-user-system-files.html

This should be what you're working from: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18629-user-folders-change-default-location.html:

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello Monumental, welcome to Seven Forums!



Here's another new tutorial you may find useful, have a look at this link below.


User Profiles - Create and Move During Windows 7 Installation

 

[Monumental]

Gregrocker, I'm looking at getting only a 60GB SSD, so I may not be able to fit all programs on the SSD. And I've read that there's limited utility in doing so for most applications. Appreciate the links though.

Bare Foot Kid, thanks, that's good info. Question is, if I follow those steps, but instead of creating new user accounts just copy the contents of my current Users folder into the new one or use a backup restore, will Windows recognize them?

And I agree Greg that what you describe would be easiest, but I'm only working with two drives here. The new SSD and the current HDD that I will continue using. I don't have a third drive to back everything up to in order to wipe the current drive and then restore. The Users folder is over 205GB so it's not possible to use a thumb drive or anything either.

So, if I uninstall Windows from my current HDD, will the Users folder and all data inside it remain or is it wiped?

 

[gregrocker]

You cannot uninstall Win7, except to delete its partition or wipe the partition or HD - which is recommended since deleting and formatting don't erase anything, while wiping overwrites bad code with zeroes.

It's possible to remove the System files after deactivating the partition, however.

In your case without an external, install to the SSD with the HD unplugged so Win7 installer doesn't configure a Dual Boot. Once you plug the HD back in, if you need to boot it you can use the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key given on first screen or in your Manual.

When you're ready to delete the Win7 files from the HD, mark old Win7 partition Inactive using Diskpart commands given here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/71432-partition-mark-active.html or use free Partition Wizard to Modify>Set to Inactive, OK, Apply. Then Restart.

Then use the Take Ownership shortcut on all folders so you can delete each one except Users. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1911-take-ownership-shortcut.html

 

[Monumental]

Ok, good stuff, obviously didn't know that about not being able to uninstall. Thanks for the great info.

 

[Monumental]

I'm in the process of doing this now...so far so good. Even had a power outage during one part, but not during a critical stage!

I've got a question though, before I go any further. I'm using this guide http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...move-during-windows-7-installation.html?ltr=U to make the Users and ProgramData default to my HDD. Question is, there are currently a Users and ProgramData on the HDD. If I run the script will it create new Users and ProgramData folders and overwrite the existing ones? That would be bad. Or will it see them there and leave them alone? Should I change the folder names of the current ones to Usersx and ProgramDatax and after everything is set up, copy all of the contents over to the new ones?

Quick responses appreciated!

 

[Monumental]

Something else I've come across. In Disk Management I've marked the main partition of the SSD as active and it shows that it is also Boot. However, the 100 MB System Reserved partition for the HDD shows Active while the System Reserved on the SSD doesn't, though it does say System. Should I also mark the System Reserved on the SSD as Active?

 

[gregrocker]

I've got a question though, before I go any further. I'm using this guide http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...move-during-windows-7-installation.html?ltr=U to make the Users and ProgramData default to my HDD. Question is, there are currently a Users and ProgramData on the HDD. If I run the script will it create new Users and ProgramData folders and overwrite the existing ones? That would be bad. Or will it see them there and leave them alone? Should I change the folder names of the current ones to Usersx and ProgramDatax and after everything is set up, copy all of the contents over to the new ones?

Quick responses appreciated!

I am not famllar with the method to move User folders during install so cannot advise you on that. I use the method I posted earlier to relocate User folders after install. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18629-user-folders-change-default-location.html

Using that method you can link to the same User folders you have in your older Win7 HD install without conflict by simply browsing to them.

Later we can help you delete the HD SysReserved by marking it Inactive to run Diskpart Delete Partition Override command, and the old OS by taking ownership of all the installation's folders except the active User folders: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1911-take-ownership-shortcut.html

Something else I've come across. In Disk Management I've marked the main partition of the SSD as active and it shows that it is also Boot. However, the 100 MB System Reserved partition for the HDD shows Active while the System Reserved on the SSD doesn't, though it does say System. Should I also mark the System Reserved on the SSD as Active?

Each HD should have a System Active 100mb SysReserved partition and Primary Windows partition marked Boot. Set the SSD as first to boot in BIOS setup, then boot the other if needed using one-time BIOS Boot menu. This keeps them independent to come and go as you please.

if you installed to SSD without removing the HD, test now that each HD boots on its own as otherwise the installer will pace boot files on the first Active partition which could be booting both drives.

If you post back a screenshot of your full Disk Mgmt drive map, using Snipping TOol in Start Menu, we can help you sort it out.

 

[Monumental]

I removed the HDD before installing Windows to the SSD and booted to the SSD fine. I've warmed to the idea of leaving the old install of Windows 7 on the HDD in case something crazy happens.

I didn't partition the OS on the HDD...it's just one big drive.

Here's the Disk Management snipit.

 

[gregrocker]

Curious that there is no System partition still booting DISK1 if you unplugged it during install. But if you hadn't it would have configured a Dual Boot menu placing boot files on DISK0 System Reserved.

Test that DISK1 boots on its own by triggering the one-time BIOS boot menu key (should be ESC on Evga) at bootup, or by unplugging DISK0 and setting Disk1 as first HD to boot in BIOS setup.

If not, remove the letter E from SysRserved in Disk Mgmt, unplug all other drives, boot the Win7 DVD Repair console or Repair CD to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times until it writes the System MBR to 100mb Active partition on DISK1 and starts it.

Then plug back in DISK0, set it as first HD to boot in BIOS setup (after DVD drive), boot DISK1 if needed using one-time BIOS Boot Menu key.

 

[Monumental]

Ok, I thought this was all going to go smoothly.

I followed this http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/124198-user-profiles-create-move-during-windows-7-installation-2.html#post1158421

and before doing so renamed the Users folder and ProgramData on the D drive with the .old appendage.

After running that script and it auto-restarting I get the message 'BOOTMGR is missing'

I did the one time boot thing and tried to boot from the D drive. I got the initial Windows screen and then a blue screen...probably because it thinks the Users and ProgramData folders are missing? I unplugged the SSD and went into BIOS to ensure the HDD was the primary boot drive, restarted and got the same blue screen.

So how do I enter Disk Management to remove the E and go about following your other instructions?

 

[Monumental]

I found this http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/104341-bootmgr-missing-fix.html

Should I give this a shot?

 

[gregrocker]

As I said I am not familar with the method for moving User folders during Install which is a new tutorial and procedure here. That is why I recommended the normal method: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18629-user-folders-change-default-location.html

What I would do at this point is use known methods to repair both SSD and HD one at a time, then you can check the links to your User folders. Having User folders moved off the SSD should not affect its ability to boot.

First unplug the HD, set SSD to boot in BIOS after DVD drive, use DIskpart to mark SysReserved partition Active. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/71432-partition-mark-active.html You could also use free Partition Wizard bootable CD to have a picture of what you're doing. http://www.partitionwizard.com/download.html

Next boot the Win7 DVD Repair console or Repair CD to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times to repair the or rewrite the System MBR to Sys Reserved: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105541-startup-repair-run-3-separate-times.html

Once Win7 starts on the SSD, you can unplug it, plug back in the HD, set it to boot in BIOS setup after DVD, then mark Active and run the Repairs same as done on the SSD to start Win7 on the HD.

You can then plug back all drives, set SSD to boot after DVD drive, then if you need to boot the HD use the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key.

Now you can sort out the User folder links using the method which has been used successfully for years in this and the Vista forums: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18629-user-folders-change-default-location.html

If you have further problems from using the during-install method of moving User folders I would PM the author or the Guru who recommended it for assistance in sorting it out now. Until then I can try to help you sort it out after you get Win7 started up again.

 

[Kari]

The Audit Mode / sysprep method is completely safe. In fact, it is the safest and most effortless way to relocate user profiles. Because it only changes two Windows 7 variables, it simply can not be the reason for your boot problem.

I just posted this to that other thread we were talking about your installation. When you get your bootmgr issue solved, this shows you how to use sysprep to move Users after installing Windows 7 on an SSD:

OK, I have tested a new, different scenario now on three PC's, and it works. Here's what you should do if installing Seven on SSD and relocating User folders using this method, or if for any reason wanting to move ProgramData and / or Users after Windows is already installed. This method can be used whenever you want to relocate Users to another disk on an existing installation of Seven.

First, install Seven normally to SSD, disconnecting all other disks. After Windows has booted first time normally after installation, shut the computer down and reconnect other disks. Reboot Windows.

Run Command Prompt as administrator by clicking Start Menu > All Programs > Accessories, then right clicking Command Prompt and selecting Run as Administrator:

View attachment 128354

Type this to command prompt: C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\Sysprep.exe /audit /reboot

View attachment 128355

Windows reboots now to Audit Mode, "thinking" it's been started first time as the message on screen shows:

View attachment 128356

Now continue from beginning of page 4 in tutorial, and follow the steps described. Running the script causes Windows to move ProgramData and Users folders from C: to another disk or partition, also moving all content of said folders. The later you do this, the longer it takes because Windows has more to move.

Notice that this really makes Windows think it's first boot, so you have to select country and keyboard layout and again create a user account when first time booted in OOBE (normal) mode after running the script. Because the Users folder already contains your user account folders, you get an error message if trying to input the same name:

View attachment 128342

Use a temporary name, for instance Test to continue first boot routine. When Windows stops for login, choose your old account to login, for instance in my case I chose here Kari and not the account Test which I just created:

View attachment 128343

When finally in Windows desktop, go to User Accounts and remove the unnecessary Test account. There are no folders to remove because Windows does not create user folders when user account is created; the user folders are only created when user logs in first time.

That's it. Works without any problems whatsoever.

Kari

 

[Monumental]

Alright, Greg, I followed your instructions. Ran Startup repair first on the SSD three times and it never found any problems. I ran it on the HDD and the first time it detected a problem, repaired it and came back fine the 2nd and 3rd times.

New problem. When I try to boot from the SSD, Windows starts and says "Setup is preparing your computer for first use" but there's a popup that says "Install Windows" "Windows could not complete the installation. To install Windows on this computer, restart the installation." I get that every time I restart. So do I have to try to start the fresh install over? Should I wipe the disk first?

 

[Monumental]

By the way, thanks to the both of you for your assistance. Happy New Years to you and yours.

What a great site. As soon as I get this up and running I'm going to have to hop onto the Vista version, but that's the computer with the real issues, lol. I think it may be getting a 7 upgrade.

 

[Monumental]

Curious that there is no System partition still booting DISK1 if you unplugged it during install. But if you hadn't it would have configured a Dual Boot menu placing boot files on DISK0 System Reserved.

Test that DISK1 boots on its own by triggering the one-time BIOS boot menu key (should be ESC on Evga) at bootup, or by unplugging DISK0 and setting Disk1 as first HD to boot in BIOS setup.

If not, remove the letter E from SysRserved in Disk Mgmt, unplug all other drives, boot the Win7 DVD Repair console or Repair CD to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times until it writes the System MBR to 100mb Active partition on DISK1 and starts it.

Then plug back in DISK0, set it as first HD to boot in BIOS setup (after DVD drive), boot DISK1 if needed using one-time BIOS Boot Menu key.

And back to this, I haven't been able to get into disk management since I got that first error. Is there another way to delete the letter E? Could that be causing problems?

 

[gregrocker]

Removing SysReserved letter is only a precaution so nothing can write to it and take up the space needed to create a SysVolInfo file needed for imaging. It should not affect booting.

It appears you have a failed install to SSD, so your best approach now is to reinstall from scratch with all other drives and peripherals unplugged. Boot DVD, select Custom, use Drive Options to delete all partitions, create new, accept the 100mb boot partition, format each then install to OS partition. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

Once you get installed to SSD, plug back in the HD to use as a data slave. Do you already have User folders on there you can link as this might be your best approach? Later we can help you surgically remove the HD OS.

If this fails for some reason, wipe the SSD to try install then follow Step 2.2 to format an Active partition to try install: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

 

[Monumental]

Startup repair did find an error when booting from HDD and said that it couldn't repair it. I tried multiple times and couldn't load into Windows with just my old setup. Startup repair said the error was a bad driver. The only thing I could think to do was load defaults in the BIOS, clear CMOS and try again. So I did, and was able to boot into Windows. So one down, now the SSD to go.