New SSD - Fresh Windows Install Question

[tiopaco]

I feel like this is an amateur's type of question but pls hear me out. I'm trying to add a 110gb SSD to a PC as a boot drive; cloning will not work because user does not want to delete a multitude to files (300gb+). So, what I was thinking of doing is doing a complete fresh install of Windows to the SSD, setting that as the boot drive in the bios. Now, once I have the SSD set up, will I have to reinstall the programs that are already installed onto the existing HDD? Or is it possible to run them without a reinstall?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Dedayog]

Almost all programs require a reinstall, they need to be set back in registry so Windows knows where to find everything.  Certain things like Steam only need the front end instaled and you can repoint to where the library of games is on the secondary drive.

[Princess Luna]

It depends, some works and some don't... I'd say the best course of action is just install the fresh new windows on the SSD... make a backup of the major important files like documents, photos, images, videos and whatever else on a cloud or pendrives etc then format the drive altogether since OS is still installed on it.

 

Once you have the new boot SSD up and running add the new formated older drive back into the system and reinstall the programs wherever you want e bring back the back up.

 

Sounds like a bit of a hassle but will ensure things work as expected.... or simply afford a 500GB SSD which really is not that expensive anymore and do old fashion clone.

[tiopaco]

3 minutes ago, jstudrawa said:

Almost all programs require a reinstall, they need to be set back in registry so Windows knows where to find everything.  Certain things like Steam only need the front end instaled and you can repoint to where the library of games is on the secondary drive.

I figured. I just wanted to see if there was a way around having to format the drive since the user uses DAW software like FL and doesn't want to have to backup and import again

[Dedayog]

Just now, tiopaco said:

I figured. I just wanted to see if there was a way around having to format the drive since the user uses DAW software like FL and doesn't want to have to backup and import again

Honestly, i would have ponied up for a 500GB drive like Luna said, but since they didn't... gotta do it the long way.

[SpookyCitrus]

11 minutes ago, jstudrawa said:

Honestly, i would have ponied up for a 500GB drive like Luna said, but since they didn't... gotta do it the long way.

Completely agree the price difference between SSD Size capacities is pretty much nothing. Kingston A400 SSDs are 120 = $20, 240 = $30, 480 = $50. You can even get a 500GB Adata SSD for $46. I would just switch from the 110GB to a 480GB and avoid the hassle.