Need to install W7 on new ssd drive

[billberry12]

Do I need to do anything to the new ssd first, or just install the OS like I would a regular HD?

Thanks, Bill

 

[Kaktussoft]

Do I need to do anything to the new ssd first, or just install the OS like I would a regular HD?

Thanks, Bill

Just do it as regular HDD.

 

[billberry12]

Thanks.

 

[carwiz]

Disconnect all other drives first. Put the SSD on the first SATA port. Preferably, a 6Gb/s port. Also check your BIOS to see if AHCI is set or available. If it's set already, you're good to go. If not, you'll need to do a few things BEFORE setting it or your system will crash.

Forgot to ask, is this a new build or are you replacing a HDD with a SSD?

 

[billberry12]

It's a laptop, and BIOS shows AHCI is listed in a bracket beside something. Does that mean it's set.

 

[carwiz]

I don't know enough about your BIOS to answer but it sounds like it. If this is a single drive laptop, have fun! The increase in speed of the drive alone will amaze.

 

[gregrocker]

Everything you need is here to get and keep a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

 

[whs]

It's a laptop, and BIOS shows AHCI is listed in a bracket beside something. Does that mean it's set.

You have to set the AHCI in the BIOS AND in Windows.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/61869-ahci-enable-windows-7-vista.html

 

[billberry12]

Very frustrated and need help. I got my new SSD today, but I can not get the oem dvd to install on it. It keeps giving me different messages that make no sense. I believe I am using the wrong OEM DVD. The one I have is for a Dell Vostro 3700, and the computer I am installing on is a Dell Vostro 3750. I didn't figure this out until a few minutes ago. Could that be my problem?

So I decided to just use macrium reflect to clone my old hard drive on my Vostro 3750. I connected my new SSD by USB enclosure to the vostro, but Windows will not recognize it. This is the first time I have ever had a USB hard drive not be recognized and I have no idea what to do.

Can someone help me please?

 

[gregrocker]

You'll need to install the SSD internally if you want to clone or image over to it.

Is this a Dell Recovery or Reinstallation DVD? If it's Recovery there will be several disks in the set and it will contain all of the factory bloatware. Post back the verbatim error you're getting.

Better to use a fresh ISO for your licensed version downloaded from Step 1 of Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 as long as the Product Key is readable on the COA sticker to input during or after install. This is a vastly better install anyway. Stick with the steps, use patience and you'll get and keep a perfect install.

 

[billberry12]

Greg Rocker,

Thanks for your reply. If I can get my new SSD in USB enclosure to show up in Windows, I'll just clone the one in my laptop to it, but it will not show. Maybe it just needs formatting. I didn't do that before starting this tril and error project. I tried putting the new hard drive in the laptop, and booting to m old hard drive in USB enclosure, but it wouldn't boot that way.

The USB SSD shows in device manager. Is there some way to format it from there. By it not showing up in windows, I can't do anything with it.

 

[gregrocker]

Use Step 2.2 in SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation from the Command Prompt accessed by pressing Control + Shift at first screen after you boot into installer, or via System Recovery Options

You may also need to reset BIOS to defaults and assure SATA controller is set to AHCI. Also if this is a UEFI BIOS there are special steps.

 

[billberry12]

I installed the new SSD back in the laptop, booted from DVD, and presto, it's loading seven now. Still not sure what the problem was before, but it seems fixed now. Clean install on a new SSD will be squeaky clean and very fast.