HDD to SSD

[techo]

Hi I am about to purchase an SSD to upgrade my current HDD, I would like to still keep my HDD and just add the SSD.

However, I have already installed windows 7 on the HDD, what is the best way to install, using the same disk and product key (without having to purchase a new license) , onto the SSD?

 

[FredeGail]

Hello techo
& Welcome to SevenForums!

I'm sure you can install another copy of Windows, this time install it on your Solid State. It's optional, but you can make Windows make an .old folder, with your previous files. Otherwise just to a backup with your files.

Best Regards,
FredeGail

 

[techo]

Can this be done with a single license purchase?

 

[FredeGail]

Can this be done with a single license purchase?

No need to purchase anything I believe. Just use the DVD that came with your current license. Although, I do not really have any experience with this. Let's wait for some other replies.

Best Regards,
FredeGail

 

[theog]

Take a look at this Tutorial:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/149969-ssd-install-transfer-operating-system.html

A bit more good reading:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/70822-ssd-tweaks-optimizations-windows-7-a.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/113967-ssd-alignment.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18629-user-folders-change-default-location.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/87555-user-profile-change-default-location.html

 

[FredeGail]

Take a look at this Tutorial:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/149969-ssd-install-transfer-operating-system.html

A bit more good reading:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/70822-ssd-tweaks-optimizations-windows-7-a.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/113967-ssd-alignment.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18629-user-folders-change-default-location.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/87555-user-profile-change-default-location.html

I did not know you could transfer OS's to other drives. :|

Nice reading.

Best Regards,
FredeGail

 

[gregrocker]

You can image or clone over the HD installation as well to the SSD using Win7 backup imaging, free Macrium Reflect, Paragon backup 11, or the excellent free premium Acronis cloning/imaging suites which come with any WD or Seagate drive.
Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
Macrium - Image your system
WD Acronis free cloning app
Seagate Acronis cloning free util

If you choose to reinstall, there should be no problem with reactivation unless it is an Upgrade version being clean installed to a new SSD/HD - in which case you should leave the Producct Key blank during installation and afterwards use one of the workarounds given here to activate Upgrade version on clean HD: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

 

[essenbe]

If you don't mind spending $19.95, the easy way is to use Paragon Migrate. It will clone you hard drive to the SSD and align the SSD in the process. You will be on your SSD fully installed in 10 minutes. The alignment is the hard part.