Solved Installing new SSD drive on computer with separate OS on HDD.

[stogieboy]

Hello everyone! Am not a noob system builder but definitely a noob with multiple drives with separate OS's. Got a great deal on an SSD and want to install a new copy of Windows 7 on this drive and keep my Raptor with Windows 7 separate from this one on the same machine.

My plan is to unplug the Raptor and install the OS to the SSD. When I get all the drivers and updates finished will plug the Raptor back in and choose which to boot from the bios. Will this work? Don't want to put the data on the raptor at risk or mess up any settings. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[whs]

Looks like a good plan.

I just don't understand your concern regarding the data on the Raptor.

 

[stogieboy]

I'm just confused by some of the stuff I've read and have little or no understanding of multiple hard drives, especially with independent operating systems on each or how they can affect the bios. Think I was making it more complicated than necessary. Oh, and thank you for the answer. Will go ahead as planned when the new hardware is delivered.

 

[whs]

Good luck. If you have more questions, let us know.

 

[Mark Phelps]

There is a possibility that you could encounter activation problems with Win7. Part of the hash code that gets sent to MS for activation supposedly includes the serial number of the "disk" on which the OS is installed -- which will be different for the SSD than it is currently for the HDD. When I migrated my Win7 OS recently to an SSD, I had to reactivate the OS. It did it online and without problems -- but then, I am not running the OLD version still on the HDD, I wiped that.

 

[stogieboy]

Thanks for the reply- am installing a fresh copy tho so both drives will have their own different licenses.

 

[gregrocker]

Good plan.

Once you plug back in the Raptor, simply rightclick on each User folder to add it to the related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums to link your data to the SSD. THis avoids issues and keeps the space on SSD avaialable for OS and Programs which benefit most.

 

[stogieboy]

Its is done and works well. Boots from the ssd unless I go into bios and select the raptor. Easier than I thought. Want to thank everyone for the help and suggestions.

 

[gregrocker]

Glad to help.

Be aware that most every mobo has a one-time BIOS Boot Menu shortcut key so you don't have to enter BIOS setup to change the boot order. On Asus the key is F8 while in the BIOS post period, afterwards that becomes Win7 Advanced Boot Options

 

[stogieboy]

Was not aware what the key was- thanks Greg. Will check into that when I get home.

 

[gregrocker]

Tap the F8 key repeatedly and vigorously as soon as you power up so it doesn't go into Advanced boot tools menu.