Migrating windows to a new SSD! (got some noobie questions)

[stingray1337]

Hello everyone!
i was searching about my questions online but couldnt find a direct answer.
So i have two hdds rite now C and F (c with windows) and im planning on trimming down C so it will migrate perfectly to a new OCZ 120 gb ssd. Now my problem is that when i migrate to the new SSD the ssd will likely be named C right? if so when i boot with all of my 3 drives in my computer will my computer face any errors since i have a C ssd boot drive and a C hdd storage drive?

I will be using this guide to migrate my windows safely:

How To Migrate Windows 7 to a Solid State Drive - How-To Geek

thank you for any input!

EDIT: also! sorry but i got another question... so if we say that all has gone well can i just delete the original C windows folder to uninstall windows from my old hdd?

 

[bigmck]

Hello everyone!
i was searching about my questions online but couldnt find a direct answer.
So i have two hdds rite now C and F (c with windows) and im planning on trimming down C so it will migrate perfectly to a new OCZ 120 gb ssd. Now my problem is that when i migrate to the new SSD the ssd will likely be named C right? if so when i boot with all of my 3 drives in my computer will my computer face any errors since i have a C ssd boot drive and a C hdd storage drive?

I will be using this guide to migrate my windows safely:

How To Migrate Windows 7 to a Solid State Drive - How-To Geek

thank you for any input!

EDIT: also! sorry but i got another question... so if we say that all has gone well can i just delete the original C windows folder to uninstall windows from my old hdd?

First off since you have invested in a nice SSD, the best way to install Windows is with a Clean Install. See this Tutorial http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html If you are dead set against doing that, spend $20 and get the Paragon program that makes things extra easy and cuts out all of the steps in your long instructions from the How-to-Geek. Paragon Migrate OS to SSD - System migration to Solid State Drives (SSD) - Overview == In answer to your other question, you will not have a problem with your C: drive. Your SSD will be C: and the HDD will be changed to something else. If you have anymore questions, let me know. Thanks,

 

[stingray1337]

Thank you for your response! i was just wondering if i freshly install windows than i will lose all my settings and files for my games and they wont run properly or i will lose my save files right? is there any way i can save all my installed programs and games?

like can i just move my user and program data folders straight into the new ssd? Because im planning to move my game folders from program files (x86) to my other F drive and hoping that they will find the setting files and stuff from the C folders

 

[gregrocker]

You'll need to reinstall all Programs. Some games can run from the .exe in Program File but it's not recommended as a long-term thing.

It's best to install OS and Programs to your SSD to benefit most from the better speed. Then copy your User folders to the HD, rightclick each to link it to the related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums.

Only if you run out of SSD space would I then uninstall some lesser-used programs and reinstall them to the HD.

If you want to image or clone over your C to the SSD to see how it performs, you can use the Paragon program recommended or I like the free version of Acronis True Image cloning/imaging which comes with any WD or Seagate in the mix. Free Macrium is also flexible. Macrium - Image your system

 

[stingray1337]

sry im a bit confused.. haha thanks for the response btw
so how can i include folders like appdata in the method you have posted?

so bottom line is.. if i just copy and paste the User folder it will mess things up?

 

[bigmck]

sry im a bit confused.. haha thanks for the response btw
so how can i include folders like appdata in the method you have posted?

so bottom line is.. if i just copy and paste the User folder it will mess things up?

Copy and Paste won't work. The programs have links in the registry. That is why if you decide on doing a Clean Install, you will need to reinstall your programs. It will not take you days and days. Just set aside a few hours on a weekend and do it. As Greg said above, you should put your Win 7 and programs on the SSD. Your music, pictures, letters, etc on the HDD. Next time you have to do a clean install, you won't have to worry about the Documents because they will be on your HDD. If you have any other questions, just ask away. == BTW, I just got the OCZ 120 GB like yours. It is lightning fast, you won't be sorry.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

so when i boot with all of my 3 drives in my computer will my computer face any errors since i have a C ssd boot drive and a C hdd storage drive?

The storage drive won't be named C.

The storage drive will acquire a new drive letter automatically. The SSD will be the one and only C.

 

[DeaconFrost]

If you want the best results, and you plan ahead, there's no better option than a clean install.

 

[stingray1337]

thanks guys... i will try the paragon migrate program first and i will see if it effects the performance ... and if it does i will do a clean install
Thanks all for your input!

 

[bigmck]

thanks guys... i will try the paragon migrate program first and i will see if it effects the performance ... and if it does i will do a clean install
Thanks all for your input!

I did a clean install. From the time I click my mouse until the program opens is no more than one second. If yours is longer than that, you should consider a Clean Install. Good luck.

 

[gregrocker]

sry im a bit confused.. haha thanks for the response btw
so how can i include folders like appdata in the method you have posted?

so bottom line is.. if i just copy and paste the User folder it will mess things up?

I would only place your User folders (Documents, Pictures, Downloads, Music, etc) on the data drive. Do this by copying them there for the reinstall, then afterwards rightclick each to add it to Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums. This avoids some problems that can occur when you move the actual shell User folder from C to the data drive.

I would not move hidden User folders including AppData to the data drive. Nor would I back them up since they can be a corruption path into a new install. Keep them cleaned out using CCLeaner approx monthly.

 

[stingray1337]

haha thank you for your advices !