Questions about new SSD

[Alaxandar66]

Alright so I'm installing a new SSD into my system and I have a question I'm not able to find an answer to anywhere, so I'll ask my favorite tech site. I'm not 100% sure if this is where to ask, but if you can point me in the right direction I'd appreciate that!

 

I've bought  a new SSD from Sandisk, and I want just my OS on it, I'm running Windows 7 by the way, but I can't use cloning software to move my OS from my HDD because my HDD has 700+ GB of stuff, while my SSD can only hold 250+ GB. Can I install this SSD and put a fresh installation of Windows 7 on it, and access this HDD? Or would I have to start over from scratch? I have a second HDD as well that's only 500GB, and I don't want to lose any data. Sorry for such a newbie question, I just want to be safe. All help is appreciated!

 

 

[Aytex]

If you have the OS on the hard drive best option is to install it on the SSD then format the HDD

 

also #VAPENATION MY DUDE

[Alaxandar66]

6 minutes ago, Aytex said:

If you have the OS on the hard drive best option is to install it on the SSD then format the HDD

Yeah I know that this is the best option, but I need a 300+GB of this data, and currently don't have a way to back it up. If I install a fresh HDD and put those files on it I wouldn't have to format that, correct?

[Moonzy]

you can use the SSD as your boot drive with the HDD as secondary, but its wise to remove the OS on the HDD to prevent confusion when booting up `-`

[Aytex]

Just now, Alaxandar66 said:

Yeah I know that this is the best option, but I need a 300+GB of this data, and currently don't have a way to back it up. If I install a fresh HDD and put those files on it I wouldn't have to format that, correct?

Back the data up on an external drive or something

I have no idea on cloneing so sorry

[Lurick]

1 minute ago, Alaxandar66 said:

Yeah I know that this is the best option, but I need a 300+GB of this data, and currently don't have a way to back it up. If I install a fresh HDD and put those files on it I wouldn't have to format that, correct?

So long as you didn't encrypt the drive you shouldn't have a problem slapping a new copy of Windows on the SSD and then hooking up the HDD and directly accessing the files from there. Once everything is moved off you can format the drive to remove the OS and then shift things back.

[Enderman]

yes you can access your HDD just like any regular drive once you install windows on your SSD

the best option would be to format the HDD after installing on the SSD so that you dont accidentally boot from it

 

but basically just do this:

unplug HDD

plug in SSD

install windows

set to boot priority 1 in UEFI

plug in HDD

now you can access all your HDD stuff when booted into the SSD

 

this is where if possible you move the HDD stuff to a temporary place, format the HDD, then move the stuff back

gets rid of all the system files and programs and crap

[Alaxandar66]

7 minutes ago, Lurick said:

So long as you didn't encrypt the drive you shouldn't have a problem slapping a new copy of Windows on the SSD and then hooking up the HDD and directly accessing the files from there. Once everything is moved off you can format the drive to remove the OS and then shift things back.

Okay then thank you!

 

6 minutes ago, Enderman said:

yes you can access your HDD just like any regular drive once you install windows on your SSD

the best option would be to format the HDD after installing on the SSD so that you dont accidentally boot from it

 

but basically just do this:

unplug HDD

plug in SSD

install windows

set to boot priority 1 in UEFI

plug in HDD

now you can access all your HDD stuff when booted into the SSD

 

this is where if possible you move the HDD stuff to a temporary place, format the HDD, then move the stuff back

gets rid of all the system files and programs and crap

Awesome, thanks a lot guys, I just wanted to be sure I can access what I need. You guys are great, thank you!