Installing an SSD

ROBO731 · 21 Dec 2012

I was originally planning on adding an SSD to my system and moving windows 7 to it. Now I think I'd rather start fresh with a clean install. What I would like to do is install windows 7, use the key that is being used to support the copy on my current HDD to support my new SSD. Then re-install all my programs from the internet. After that I want to move all my pictures, videos, documents, games, etc. to my external HDD and format my HDD. Then I'd like to move the pictures, videos, documents, games, etc. back to the HDD after it has been formatted. I have a feeling that it won't be that simple though. What steps, if any do I still need to follow from this article SSD - Install and Transfer the Operating System ? Is there a better tutorial that I can use now that I don't want to transfer the OS? Thanks in advance.

Bongo · 21 Dec 2012

These 3 tutorials will help you.

Clean Install Windows 7

Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

User Folders - Change Default Location

Jerry

ROBO731 · 21 Dec 2012

Thanks, so would it be possible to just do it the way I said, but move the user folders to the SSD before I move my pictures, documents, videos, games, etc...?

linnemeyerhere · 21 Dec 2012

If I understand what you want to do you'll need an additional HDD or transfer all data to a cloud server as when you go to format your current HDD and transfer all your data back onto it you'll want to have a perfect verified back up as needless to say formatting will wipe the drive clean.

ROBO731 · 21 Dec 2012

Yeah I can do that, I have a 2TB HDD so ti shouldn't be an issue. Should I just copy the whole drive?

Bongo · 21 Dec 2012

I would backup all my data(Doc, Music, Pic, Video, etc.) 1st then remove the HDD install the SSD install Windows 7, put the HDD in and then move your user folders.

Jerry

ROBO731 · 21 Dec 2012

But I want to format the drive so I can just do that, but format the drive before I remove it?

Bongo · 21 Dec 2012

You can format it before if you want or after you put it back in.

Jerry

whs · 21 Dec 2012

What you want to do is dead simple.

1. save your user folders (Docs, Pics, etc.) to an external drive or an additional internal drive.

2. reformat your currentlu used internal drive in NTFS - if that's what you want to do for the whole drive/disk

3. move your user files back to that disk

4. install Win7 on the SSD - you have to activate it with the key on the COA sticker that is somwhere on your desktop box (unlees you have a Win7 retail installation disc).

5. Right click on the folders (Documents, Pics, etc.) on your HDD and INCLUDE those into the appropriate library.

Now you have the system on the SSD (all of it - and keep it that way) and the user folders on the HDD.

linnemeyerhere · 21 Dec 2012

What whs said.......lol !