New SSD, New Win 7 Install with twist

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  1. MotoriousRacing
    Posts : 3
    XP-32bit
       New #1

    New SSD, New Win 7 Install with twist


    I have a new SSD (120 GB Sandisk Extreme) and a new OEM copy of Win 7 Ult 64-bit. My rig has 4x 1TB in RAID-10 running XP. I've got a lot of programs and 4 user accounts I don't want to build from scratch.

    Where I want to end up is with Win 7 on the new SSD with all user accounts, files/folders, prefs, favs etc. intact (migrated, copied, whatever). I think I even want to keep XP on the RAID-10 volume to run those old troublesome games/programs. I've never done a dual-boot, but I figure I could just switch the boot sequence in the BIOS at startup if I ever need XP.

    I've looked at Paragon Migrate, Windows Easy Transfer, partition/align/image, etc., but I'm not sure which is best or will even work in my case.

    I did build my rig and a couple others, so I got some skills, but I'm no IT genius.

    Please guide me in the right direction. Thanks.
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  3. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #2

    Plug in SSD alone to SATA port, make sure it's set first to boot in BIOS setup, then Clean Install Windows 7. This prevents installer from configuring a Windows Dual Boot with XP during install which would land the Win7 boot files on the XP partition.

    You cannot transfer programs as they must be reinstalled. A few can be run from their .exe but should eventually be reinstalled to the SSD for best performance. Later when the SSD fills up, uninstall lesser-used programs to install on HDD.

    To link data from the RAID I would rightclick on User folders to add them to the related Win7 Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums. This keeps the Win7 User folders on SSD to avoid problems and displays all data in Documents, Pictures, Music, Downloads (you must add that Library), etc.

    To boot XP use the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key at boot.

    I'll ask a hardware expert to further advise on how to preserve RAID10 during all this.
    Last edited by gregrocker; 29 Jun 2012 at 22:06.
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  4. Dave76
    Posts : 12,177
    Windows 7 Ult x64 - SP1/ Windows 8 Pro x64
       New #3

    Welcome to Seven Forums.

    Agree with Greg, with computer off disconnect all the RAID drives, connect the SSD to SATA port 0.
    Install Win7 to the unallocated space on the SSD, this will make the correct alignments on the SSD.
    'To boot XP use the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key at boot.'

    You can't transfer any programs or user accounts from XP to Win7, so they will have to be setup after the installation.
    Best way to files/folders linked to the SSD, as Greg mentioned, is to use the Library, these data folders are better left on the HDD or RAID array.

    Let us know if you have any questions.
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  6. Golden
    Posts : 19,383
    Windows 10 Pro x64 ; Xubuntu x64
       New #4

    Hi,

    I agree with both Greg and Dave's suggestions.

    One other consideration : once Windows 7 is installed to the SSD and operating correctly, and you have plugged the RAID HDD's back in again, you might need to change from AHCI back to RAID again in the BIOS, assuming you are using the RAID controller as set in your BIOS.

    Regards,
    Golden
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  7. Dave76
    Posts : 12,177
    Windows 7 Ult x64 - SP1/ Windows 8 Pro x64
       New #5

    Good catch Golden.

    If he leaves the BIOS in the RAID setting, the SSD will be listed as a non-array drive and will have all of the benefits of AHCI.

    My computers are set to RAID and I have no problem with single non-array SSD/HDDs.
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  8. Golden
    Posts : 19,383
    Windows 10 Pro x64 ; Xubuntu x64
       New #6

    Dave76 said:
    My computers are set to RAID and I have no problem with single non-array SSD/HDDs.
    Yes, mine too.
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  10. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #7

    So should he change SATA controlller setting after unplugging the RAID to install to SSD?

    I realize this varies with mobo so it may be worth checking your mobo Manual on the Support Downloads webpage for your model.
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  11. Golden
    Posts : 19,383
    Windows 10 Pro x64 ; Xubuntu x64
       New #8

    Prior to installing the SSD, he must change it Greg.

    1. Unplug HDD's
    2. Change to AHCI
    3. Install SSD and Windows 7
    4. Plug HDD's back in.
    5. Change controller back to RAID

    Thats how I did mine anyhow.....Dave?
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  12. Dave76
    Posts : 12,177
    Windows 7 Ult x64 - SP1/ Windows 8 Pro x64
       New #9

    Much easier to just leave it in the RAID setting. It will have the exact same features/benefits as AHCI, they are completely inter-change able as far as AHCI is concerned.

    Since he has a RAID array and wants to keep it, just leave the BIOS set to RAID.
    It's more of a controller chip feature than motherboard.

    Intel® Rapid Storage Technology
    Configure the BIOS for RAID or AHCI on an Intel® Desktop Board
    If you are using a SATA hard drive, set your BIOS to RAID mode. RAID mode provides the greatest overall flexibility and upgradeability because it allows your system to be RAID ready and enable AHCI.
    Advanced Host Controller Interface
    Operating modes
    Last edited by Dave76; 29 Jun 2012 at 22:43.
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  13. Golden
    Posts : 19,383
    Windows 10 Pro x64 ; Xubuntu x64
       New #10

    Dave76 said:
    Since has a RAID array and wants to keep it, just leave the BIOS set to RAID.
    Nice...I didn't realise that would work. That does make it easier.
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