Besides BIOS boot method given, consider placing your User folders on one of the storage partitions since you only have a 30gb SSD: User Folders - Change Default Location
Then install programs onto the same SSD as Win7. Save your backup image to another data drive so if Win7 becomes irreparable or HD fails, you can reimage Win7 in 15 minutes and your User files are waiting in their own storage "vault."
I realise this a v old thread but it does cover what I plan to do almost exactly.
OK, I understand the idea of
* disconnect existing drives
* add SSD
* install Win 7 on SSD (presumably has to be a primary partition)
* reconnect existing drives
* choose OS to boot to via BIOS menu
What concerns me is what happens to drive letters?
If I boot to Win 7 then the drive mappings don't matter since it's a fresh install.
If I boot to XP will it have mapped the SSD to the end of the current letters? I currently have many partitions on each disk so I have
Disk 1 - C, D, E, F
Disk 2 - G, H, I , J
DVD - K
USB HD (when connected) - L
I presume the SSD would get either M (if USB is connected) or L (if it is not)? Is this correct? Just worried about my drive lettering getting messed up (with consequent consequences for the XP install) and looking for reassurance.
Thanks
Robert
If you do this correctly and don't install Win7 from XP, the drive letter will always be C on the OS you're booted into. This is intentional and causes no problems at all. The letter taken by the unbooted OS is not a concern.
Just be sure to unplug all other HD's during new install in DISK0, afterwards plug back in other HD's, set preferred OS HD as first HD to boot in BIOS setup. To trigger other HD to boot use one-time BIOS Boot Menu.
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