Win 8.1 install help

keithxue · December 6, 2014

Hi, pretty basic question for you. I am planning to use only one 3tb hdd for now until I have to budget to get a ssd. Would I need to partition or do something other than a basic install? I would guess not but better safe than sorry

Another question if I may. When I upgrade and get a ssd I would have to reinstall everything right?

Thanks for your help

Tycho · December 6, 2014

If you want to keep the data that is already on the hdd then you will need to create a partition first(larger than 64gb). If not just install over everything.

And when you buy an ssd you could transfer the data from the hdd(most ssd makers provide software for this), but if i was you i'd do a fresh install because an sdd reads and writes differently compared to an hdd.

keithxue · December 6, 2014

If you want to keep the data that is already on the hdd then you will need to create a partition first(larger than 64gb). If not just install over everything.

And when you buy an ssd you could transfer the data from the hdd(most ssd makers provide software for this), but if i was you i'd do a fresh install because an sdd reads and writes differently compared to an hdd.

can I use the hdd, partitioned in 2, one for os and another for games and such and later when I have the sdd I will install an os on it while deleting the os from the hdd. Will that let me keep the games and programs? Thanks

Tycho · December 7, 2014

can I use the hdd, partitioned in 2, one for os and another for games and such and later when I have the sdd I will install an os on it while deleting the os from the hdd. Will that let me keep the games and programs? Thanks

Yes, however if you used steam to download and install the games they will no longer be playable and you will need to download them again. There is a solution to this and you will have to make a backup of the games by right clicking them in your steam library and going to:

properties > Local Files > Backup game files.

after this you will have to restore the backup on your fresh install by going to the same menu and clicking "browse local files" and selecting the backup.