hard drives Removing Windows in a Drive

[Newblesse Obblige]

Im planning to purchase 2 ssd one for my PC (the one im using to type this topic on) and one for the Family PC 

these PCs has windows in it (obviously) and i want to remove Windows so ill have just my files and Windows will be on the SSD

how can i do this?

[mariushm]

Easiest .. disconnect that mechanical drive.

Install and connect only the new SSD .  Boot from a USB stick with Windows and install it

When done. add old hdd back to the system as secondary drive. Copy files you want to keep to the SSD and if possible, format that 2nd drive. Copy files back if you wish to leave the mechanical drive in system.

[Newblesse Obblige]

Just now, mariushm said:

Easiest .. disconnect that drive.

Install only the new SSD .  Boot from a USB stick with Windows and install it

Whe done. add old hdd back to the system as secondary drive. Copy files you want to keep to the SSD and if possible, format that 2nd drive. Copy files back.

i was thinking of doing that my file from mech hard drive bigger than the SSD

should i put my file to my external hdd instead and format the HDD?

[mariushm]

Nothing bad will happen if you leave the mechanical drive with Windows and everything there.

You can try deleting the folders on the drives but Windows will probably refuse to allow it as it detects those folders as a Windows installation.

Workaround that would be to hit F8 right as Windows starts and go in safe mode. Then you can in Windows Explorer, go in options and select Show hidden and/or system files and folders.You will then be able to delete Windows folder, program files and others.

The Users folder may contain stuff you need (my documents, my downloads , the chome/firefox profile in case you want to reuse it with the new install etc)