OS Migration to SSD

[Narcotic]

I've recently purchased 2 Samsung 840 SSD 120GB, and I'm wondering if it's possible to migrate just the OS (Windows 7) off of my old HDD onto the new SSD.

 

I've done some research - there are tons of articles about OS migration to SSD around the internet, but most of them end the same way. "Just get a fresh install."

 

However, this doesn't suit me for 2 reasons -

1. I don't want to buy a new OS (not entirely sure if I would need a new key, correct me if this is incorrect) .

2. I have a lot of music of my HDD that I don't want to lose.

 

I watched Linus' video about transferring boot drive to a new SSD, but that showed that he was transferring data that could entirely fit onto the new SSD.

The SSD that I purchased is only 120GB, and I currently have ~720Gb of data on my current HDD. 

 

Is there a way to just migrate my OS onto the new SSD and leave all of my other data on my old HDD in usable condition?

Will this cause errors for my OS to find where files are? 

 

[Vendetta]

Just do a fresh install, you can find your key by hitting start button then right clicking computer and hitting properties, will be at the bottom of that window. You can then keep your hdd in the exact state it is now and access all of the data on it no problem.

[Narcotic]

Just do a fresh install, you can find your key by hitting start button then right clicking computer and hitting properties, will be at the bottom of that window...

Would I do this with the original Windows 7 OS Disk? I never made any sort of back up.

 

..You can then keep your hdd in the exact state it is now and access all of the data on it no problem.

Is there a simple way to remove all of my OS files (since I won't need it on a secondary drive) and keep my old files (music, games etc..)?

[Vendetta]

Would I do this with the original Windows 7 OS Disk? I never made any sort of back up.

 

Is there a simple way to remove all of my OS files (since I won't need it on a secondary drive) and keep my old files (music, games etc..)?

Yea you can download which ever version of windows .iso from microft or cnet and then use a usb stick that is larger than 4gb and follow the guide of microsofts website (google how to install windows from usb) to setup the usb then you just go into your bios and choose the usb stick as the first boot device and it will load up windows installer.

And if you want you can go in and delete the windows files by hand if you want to clear up some space. Will only save you like 20gb at most though.

If you have more questions about anything let me know, im trying to keep it as simple as possible since im on mobileand typing is a pain lol but ill be more than happy to help if you get stuck.

[Narcotic]

Yea you can download which ever version of windows .iso from microft or cnet and then use a usb stick that is larger than 4gb and follow the guide of microsofts website (google how to install windows from usb) to setup the usb then you just go into your bios and choose the usb stick as the first boot device and it will load up windows installer.

And if you want you can go in and delete the windows files by hand if you want to clear up some space. Will only save you like 20gb at most though.

If you have more questions about anything let me know, im trying to keep it as simple as possible since im on mobileand typing is a pain lol but ill be more than happy to help if you get stuck.

I appreciate the simplicity, actually haha - I'm only a novice.

Does it have to be a USB stick? - I still have the Windows 7 Installation disk.  

Also, I'll be able to enter the OS registration key again on the new drive? - It won't cause any problems being that it has already been entered on the current setup? I suppose worst comes to worst I could call MS..

 

Thanks for the quick responses! 

[Vendetta]

I appreciate the simplicity, actually haha - I'm only a novice.

Does it have to be a USB stick? - I still have the Windows 7 Installation disk.

Also, I'll be able to enter the OS registration key again on the new drive? - It won't cause any problems being that it has already been entered on the current setup? I suppose worst comes to worst I could call MS..

Thanks for the quick responses!

No it doesnt have to be a usb drive, your windows install disk will work perfectly. And yea you can just enter your key no issues at all. The only time you will have an issue with your key is if it is a OEM key and you are trying to use a drive with windows already installed on a new motherboard.

[Narcotic]

No it doesnt have to be a usb drive, your windows install disk will work perfectly. And yea you can just enter your new key no issues at all. The only time you will have an issue with your key is if it is a OEM key and you are trying to use a drive with windows already installed on a new motherboard.

It is an OEM key

[Vendetta]

It is an OEM key

Well you arent trying to use a previously installed windows on a new motherboard so you dont have to worry about anything. I was just explaining that so you know in the future because it is nice to know.

[Narcotic]

Well you arent trying to use a previously installed windows on a new motherboard so you dont have to worry about anything. I was just explaining that so you know in the future because it is nice to know.

Okay! My understanding was that motherboards were what bound a key to a computer, which proves correct - however I thought once an OEM key was used, it's extinguished, same motherboard or not.

 

Thanks for the information! 

 

One last question - the Samsung SSD comes with an installation disk, what exactly does this do? I'm new to SSD technology, I'm used to plug and play HDDs haha.

-Does this format the SSD or something? 

What ever it's purpose is, will I have to plug in the SSD and run the disk first?

So my steps;

1. Plug in SSD

2. Run disk

3. Run Windows 7 OS, install to new SSD

4. Boot into BIOS and change boot to said SSD

 

I read something about UEFI - I need to boot the SSD using UEFI set up or something?

[Vendetta]

Okay! My understanding was that motherboards were what bound a key to a computer, which proves correct - however I thought once an OEM key was used, it's extinguished, same motherboard or not.

 

Thanks for the information! 

 

One last question - the Samsung SSD comes with an installation disk, what exactly does this do? I'm new to SSD technology, I'm used to plug and play HDDs haha.

-Does this format the SSD or something? 

What ever it's purpose is, will I have to plug in the SSD and run the disk first?

So my steps;

1. Plug in SSD

2. Run disk

3. Run Windows 7 OS, install to new SSD

4. Boot into BIOS and change boot to said SSD

 

I read something about UEFI - I need to boot the SSD using UEFI set up or something?

I'm not for sure about the disk, I believe it is the software to copy your HDD to your SSD but don't quote me on that haha. And the setting you are thinking of is called ahci and ide, they are found in your BIOS (uefi is just a type of bios), either one will work but I believe AHCI is the better one to use.

[Narcotic]

I had a long few days of work and couldn't get to it - but both OS's are physically installed now.

 

The 2 120Gb SSDs are not showing up on My Computer - is this because I have to partition them?

If so, what's the best partitioning guide?

 

Does it need to be partitioned to have the OS installed on it?

 

 

I'm not for sure about the disk, I believe it is the software to copy your HDD to your SSD but don't quote me on that haha. And the setting you are thinking of is called ahci and ide, they are found in your BIOS (uefi is just a type of bios), either one will work but I believe AHCI is the better one to use.

 

 

What's the difference between AHCI and IDE? Better yet- what are they exactly?