New SSD, New Win 7 Install with twist

[MotoriousRacing]

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.

 

[gregrocker]

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.

 

[Dave76]

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.

 

[Golden]

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

 

[Dave76]

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.

 

[Golden]

My computers are set to RAID and I have no problem with single non-array SSD/HDDs.

Yes, mine too.

 

[gregrocker]

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.

 

[Golden]

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?

 

[Dave76]

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

 

[Golden]

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.

 

[Dave76]

We need to find out what hardware the OP has, the point may be mute if not an Intel system.

Have edited in some links to confirm my statement.

 

[MotoriousRacing]

Arrrgh! I must recreate a long post because I apparently hit the wrong post button.

 

[MotoriousRacing]

Thanks for all the great info/help. It appears the best route will be to do things the long way; install Win 7 on the SSD, install drivers, create identical user accounts, reinstall software, and copy/move user favs, yada, yada, yada, etc..

I hadn't thought/had no idea I may have trouble with the RAID volume. Thanks for the heads up and tips.

I'm running Intel RST 9.6 right now I think (posting from laptop right now).

Here are the specs of my rig. It's about 2 1/2 years old.

i7-860, GA-P55A-UD4P, XFX 4890 XXX, 4GB G.Skill 1600 Ripjaws, Corsair 850TX, Zalman CNPS9900ALED, 4x1TB WD Black (RAID-10), CM Centurion 590, Asus VW266H, Harman/Kardon HK395, Logitech 920,

I have a 1 TB My Book and a 1 TB Scorpio in an external enclosure for backup, so I'll be fine.

The bummer is there is A LOT of programs and such. I'll just plow through it, and the one's not as important I can add as they are needed.

Again, thanks for the help, advise and direction. I'm gonna keep this thread open until I'm successfully running Win 7 on the SSD, just incase something comes up.

 

[gregrocker]

Win7 handles drivers differently than XP, and there are some other best practices during install that are detailed in this tutorial even though yours is neither a reinstall or factory OEM: Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

Feel free to ask back any questions.

 

[Dave76]

Nice motherboard, I like mine.

FYI: Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Version:10.8.0.1003
I'm using v11.2.0.1006 with no issues.

As Greg mentioned, his link has very good info, have your internet cable connected and you will get most of your current drivers. Check for any you might need or that might need updated, as usual. It really is much easier with Win7.

Let us know how the install goes and if you have any questions.