help with a clean Windows 7 install on new SSD

[beagrie07]

Hi, I've bought a new OCZ Vertex 3 SSD as I'm upgrading my computer in the coming weeks. I currently have 3 hard drives. What I want to do is do a CLEAN install of Windows 7 onto the SSD and then use the other hard drives as normal. How would I go about doing a clean install onto the SSD? Also what do I do about Windows 7 on my current C: drive after this clean install is complete?

Thanks

 

[vaidas3]

I believe there is tutorials on this forums about installing and/or cloning HDD to SDD.
I just recently upgraded to SSD from HDD with clean reinstall of windows 7 there is steps I did:
1) disconnect all other drives exept the one you use to install windows (in my case DVD drive)
2) Do a clean install of windows (this is same as HDD)
3) do updates intall drivers (SSD management software)
4) connect all drives (you can format/repartition old system partition including old 100MB partition if there is no data that you need).
5) configure storage (change documents, music, etc location) to store files on HDD (if SSD storage is not enough)

Windows 7 should detect SSD and configure it self for optimal usage (disable defragmentation etc) you can check for more in you SSD manufacturer software or manual.

 

[theog]

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

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Hi, I've bought a new OCZ Vertex 3 SSD as I'm upgrading my computer in the coming weeks. I currently have 3 hard drives. What I want to do is do a CLEAN install of Windows 7 onto the SSD and then use the other hard drives as normal. How would I go about doing a clean install onto the SSD? Also what do I do about Windows 7 on my current C: drive after this clean install is complete?

Thanks

It's really no different than installing to a HDD.

Back up your data. Unplug all other drives. Install to the SSD. Update the new installation. Reconnect old drives and do with them as you wish---repartition, etc.

After you have installed Windows on the SSD, confirm alignment. Inspect settings for page file and System Restore. Consider eliminating the hibernation file if you don't use hibernation.

 

[beagrie07]

Thanks for the replies, I'll keep this post on hand with that tutorial while I setup, its my first SSD so I want to do my research and make sure I have everything in place.

It's really no different than installing to a HDD.

Back up your data. Unplug all other drives. Install to the SSD. Update the new installation. Reconnect old drives and do with them as you wish---repartition, etc.

After you have installed Windows on the SSD, confirm alignment. Inspect settings for page file and System Restore. Consider eliminating the hibernation file if you don't use hibernation.

When you say confirm alignment etc. that can be done through the OCZ SSD management software?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

When you say confirm alignment etc. that can be done through the OCZ SSD management software?

I know nothing about OCZ software, but it can be done through Windows own Diskpart command.

It should be aligned properly automatically, but it's good to check it because if it is mis-aligned you will have a noticeable reduction in performance.

 

[beagrie07]

Ok I'll keep that in mind, just gotta wait on the drive to arrive now!

 

[Mark Phelps]

If you don't mind spending $20 (USD), you can use the Paragon Migrate HDD to SSD app to do it for you.

Macrium Reflect has an additional component that will do the same -- with the added feature that you can EXCLUDE filetypes in order to "shrink" your partition size to make it fit on the SSD, but I don't think you can buy it separately.

 

[essenbe]

Mark Phelps is right about Paragon Migrate. It is excellent. It will transfer the OS to the SSD. format it and align it correctly. It will also let you exclude files to shrink the size if necessary. I have used it quite a few times and it has worked perfectly every time. It is not only for SSDs, it works on mechanical hard drives too.

 

[beagrie07]

So that program is basically a clone of the hard drive or a clone of the OS on its own?

 

[essenbe]

Yes. But it will align the SSD and can shrink the size as well to. The problem with most clone programs is the alignment and the size of the hard drive being bigger than the SSD. Paragon Migrate will do both of those.

 

[beagrie07]

It does look like a great program, I'll have a look into it, it'll definetly save me lots of time and even better it looks easy to use and understand!

 

[essenbe]

It is simple. It is easier if you move all user folders to another hard drive or partition before the transfer. It drastically reduces the size of the C drive and also you won't have to do it after the transfer. It will create an exact duplicate of your current installation. If you want to move the user folders, here is a tutorial:

Relocate user folders

 

[whs]

I also support the Paragon Migration tool. Have used it half a dozen times and it works flawlessly - only 2 clicks and you are done.

One thing I always do is first move the bootmgr from the 100MB system partition to C (before you migrate to the SSD). And if you have a Dell, that is even more important because they put the bootmgr into the recovery partition. That move can be easily done with EasyBCD (also only 2 clicks).

 

[beagrie07]

I'm going to plan on installing the new motherboard, cpu, cooler, RAM and then the SSD all at the same time. Would the new bios on the mobo affect anything or am I being stupid?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I'm going to plan on installing the new motherboard, cpu, cooler, RAM and then the SSD all at the same time. Would the new bios on the mobo affect anything or am I being stupid?

Not sure what you are driving at, but the fact that the new mobo has a different BIOS than your current mobo is immaterial.

 

[beagrie07]

I thought I was being stupid Thanks

 

[whs]

If you install all this new hardware, a transfer of your old OS will most likely not work because of driver incompatibility. In that case you should make a fresh install.