SSD Failed with windows on it how do I replace it with a new one

[tbone1321]

Hello My SSD failed with windows on it and I purchased a new one what is the best way to install my new SSD and install windows properly.

 

[Brink]

Hello Tyler,

Was this a retail Windows you had installed, or a Windows that came preinstalled on the computer?

If retail, then you could just do a clean install, and activate with your product key. Sometimes you may need to activate by phone, but since it's on the same computer, you shouldn't need to.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html
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If was a preinstalled Windows, then you'll need to have your product key number from the COA sticker. Afterwards, you could use the tutorial below to do a clean install of Windows on the new SSD.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

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Hope this helps.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Assuming the old SSD is a total loss and can't be read or used at all, you'd just remove it, and connect the new SSD in it's place.

Disconnect any other hard drives you may have. I'd also disconnect any external stuff like printers.

Then boot from your Windows installation disc and follow the prompts. Installation to an SSD is really no different than installation to a regular HD.

I'm assuming you have a valid Windows Product Key and an installation disc. If you don't, say so.

 

[tbone1321]

Ok so I shouldn't have to do anything special after I install the new SSD?

 

[tbone1321]

No disc but I do have the key :/

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Ok so I shouldn't have to do anything special after I install the new SSD?

No. It needs to be formatted and you need to install Windows, just like any other hard drive.

You can run a benchmark if you want to confirm it's performing about as expected.

Alignment is a concern, but it's usually fine by default. You can check it after the install if performance seems poor.

There are a few tricks to save space if you want to, but if you don't have space concerns and if performance is satisfactory, you shouldn't have to do anything.

You don't want to defragment it, but defrag should be turned off by default when you install Windows. You can check that too.

A bare Windows installation, fully updated, should occupy 15 or 20 GB if I recall correctly.

 

[tbone1321]

Awesome thanks for the help

 

[Brink]

If you haven't already, the tutorial below shows you how to download a Windows 7 ISO, and create a USB or DVD with it.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31541-windows-7-usb-dvd-download-tool.html

In addition after installation is finished, you would also need to install your drivers and such as usual.

 

[tbone1321]

I looked there first and downloaded the ISO I just need to burn it to a disc so thank you for that as well