SSD and Windows 7

[namarino]

Hey guys, I just purchased an SSD and basically what I want to do is use it as a boot drive and a place to store some programs that I use often. So what I plan to back up my hard drive, delete pretty much everything but the OS and then clone my HDD over to my SSD (hopefully that's the right way to do it). So my question is this: As far as windows goes, how will the licensing work when it goes over to the new drive? Will I just need the product key that came with the CD that I bought? Or will I need to create some kind of recovery disk? And secondly, as far as backup goes, how does that process work when you have 2 drives, an SSD and an HDD? Is it necessary to backup the SSD if it only contains the OS? Thanks for your answers guys, I really appreciate it.

[pwn_intended]

if you have the windows cd, step 1 is to put the ssd into the system and install and activate windows. If that works, then you pull whatever data you need from the hdd and save it to your SSD + things that don't fit onto the ssd onto a backup drive, then you re-format the hdd and use as you see fit.

[TheGFactor]

First, just wipe the entire drive. It saves a lot of pain. Then go through the normal setup process. 

All you should need is your product key after that. 

[mrmonmon2]

well I run the same windows key on my ssd and hhd(for iTunes and garbage programs) no problem.

 

I recommend just doing a fresh install

[namarino]

well I run the same windows key on my ssd and hhd(for iTunes and garbage programs) no problem.

 

I recommend just doing a fresh install

Oh ok, so I won't run into any licensing issues if I do a fresh install onto the SSD? And should I just reformat the HDD and delete Windows from it?

[TheGFactor]

should I just reformat the HDD and delete Windows from it?

Yep. Make sure all your files are backed up and wipe it clean. 

[namarino]

Yep. Make sure all your files are backed up and wipe it clean. 

Alright and then I'll just do a fresh install of windows on the SSD. Cool! I'm assuming I can exclude the windows image in my back up correct?

[TheGFactor]

Alright and then I'll just do a fresh install of windows on the SSD. Cool! I'm assuming I can exclude the windows image in my back up correct?

Yeah, you should be able to depending on what software and hardware you use. Just make sure that you save any preferences and windows themes, etc if you really want them. 

But sometimes, I really enjoy setting up all my preferences after a full reset.

[mrmonmon2]

namarino, on 11 Feb 2015 - 7:16 PM, said:

Oh ok, so I won't run into any licensing issues if I do a fresh install onto the SSD? And should I just reformat the HDD and delete Windows from it?

install windows to the ssd first(in case anything goes wrong you wont be os less), then move files and after that from the ssd use disk clean up -> clean up system files to remove the old windows.

or format the old drive after installing using what ever, cmd will work for that

[namarino]

install windows to the ssd first(in case anything goes wrong you wont be os less), then move files and after that from the ssd use disk clean up -> clean up system files to remove the old windows.

or format the old drive after installing using what ever, cmd will work for that

 

 

Yeah, you should be able to depending on what software and hardware you use. Just make sure that you save any preferences and windows themes, etc if you really want them. 

But sometimes, I really enjoy setting up all my preferences after a full reset.

Ok thanks guys! I'm going to keep this thread of open in case I have any more questions after I do it this weekend. I appreciate your help!

[mrmonmon2]

namarino, on 11 Feb 2015 - 8:52 PM, said:

Ok thanks guys! I'm going to keep this thread of open in case I have any more questions after I do it this weekend. I appreciate your help!

im going to change what I said earlier.

Don't delete the old copy of windows until its been running on the ssd superbly well for at least a week or more.

just incase it randomly corrupts or an unforeseen problem arises.

 

alternate option, have a usb with a live trial of Linux ready so you could load that if necessary

[namarino]

im going to change what I said earlier.

Don't delete the old copy of windows until its been running on the ssd superbly well for at least a week or more.

just incase it randomly corrupts or an unforeseen problem arises.

 

alternate option, have a usb with a live trial of Linux ready so you could load that if necessary

Ok yeah that makes sense. Even if it did though and I didn't have it on the other drive, couldn't I just pop in the CD and re-install?  And yep, I actually have Linux ready to go on a USB from a previous installation.

[mrmonmon2]

namarino, on 11 Feb 2015 - 9:37 PM, said:

Ok yeah that makes sense. Even if it did though and I didn't have it on the other drive, couldn't I just pop in the CD and re-install?  And yep, I actually have Linux ready to go on a USB from a previous installation.

yes you could reinstall but it would take a while, better than having to do it again. or use the linux

[TheGFactor]

If you need any more help, just tag me. 
Please post your progress

Good luck!

[mrmonmon2]

you can also pm me if you need help.

[namarino]

im going to change what I said earlier.

Don't delete the old copy of windows until its been running on the ssd superbly well for at least a week or more.

just incase it randomly corrupts or an unforeseen problem arises.

 

alternate option, have a usb with a live trial of Linux ready so you could load that if necessary

Hey quick question for you. I have Microsoft office on my current HDD. Will that carry over during the data migration to the SSD?

[mrmonmon2]

namarino, on 15 Feb 2015 - 5:12 PM, said:

Hey quick question for you. I have Microsoft office on my current HDD. Will that carry over during the data migration to the SSD?

no