Moving OS to SSD from HDD

[MrWillis]

Not sure this has been posted before or if this is the right section to post in, so sorry if it has/is. Also apologies in advance, I literally know nothing about computers!

Basically, I want to move/install my OS (Windows 7) onto my SSD. It is already installed on my HDD so I'm unsure what the best way to go about this is. I've just got my PC (Saturday) so it's more or less in the same state that it was when it left PCS - all I have put on there since then is Steam, Google Chrome, WoW, Arma II, Team Fortress 2 and updated a few drivers. What I'm saying is that it won't be an issue if I lose this stuff as I can just re-install (I hope).

I've been looking at Macrium Reflect Free (I'm not paying for disc migration software) and I am completely lost when it comes to disc partitions etc. I realised that it might be possible to just unplug my HDD, plug in my SSD, boot up the system with the Windows 7 disc that came with my PC and install it fresh. Would that be possible and easier than using cloning software.

I would really appreciate any help.

 

[Wolvo7]

I'm guessing that you ordered the HDD as primary drive and the SSD as secondary? The OS is always installed on the primary when you order.

Since you just got the PC and installed non-essential software I'd recommend a fresh install. W7 also creates a 100MB partition on the disk that is not normally accessible and since you're not too knowledgeable in this area I would strongly recommend just reinstalling the OS.

 

[MrWillis]

I'm guessing that you ordered the HDD as primary drive and the SSD as secondary?

Yeah, I bought the SSD separately and am yet to install it..my sig is a lie :shifty:

So basically I just unplug the HDD, plug in the SSD, stick the Win7 disc in the disc drive and boot it up? What do I do to the OS which will still be on the HDD?

 

[keynes]

Yeah, I bought the SSD separately and am yet to install it..my sig is a lie :shifty:

So basically I just unplug the HDD, plug in the SSD, stick the Win7 disc in the disc drive and boot it up? What do I do to the OS which will still be on the HDD?

To avoid any issues I'd format the HDD and reinstall the games/applications.

 

[mishra]

Unplugg HDD and keep aside.
Plug back in SSD drive (make sure it is connected to SATA 0 port).
Install Windows.
Once you have working system, connect old HDD to next available SATA port...

<if you have no data you want to keep on this HDD>

"right-click" on Computer, and select "Manage" -> "Disk Management" -> identify which partitions belong to your OLD HDD and delete all that partitions and then create a new one, format with NTFS... and well job done.

Don't fool around with migration software from HDD to SSD, you only going to lose a lot of time... and most likely you will end up reinstalling Windows from scratch.

The above should take you no more than 45 mins - assuming on your old HDD you have no DATA you want to keep!!!

 

[MrWillis]

Thanks for the advice, +rep for you

So just to make sure - once I've got the OS installed on my SSD I plug the HDD back in, delete the partition (in this case C: ), make a new one then format it.

Obviously before I've deleted the partition (which currently still has the OS on it) there will be Win7 on both the SSD and HDD, wouldn't this cause the PC to dual boot?

 

[vanthus]

I would recommend you replace the existing HDD with the SSD with the same connections,then do a clean install from your OS disk,this will ensure the OS is installed as it should be and avoid any problems with with dual boot and the system reserved partition.
You can then install your HDD and format it from the OS on the SSD by right clicking on it then "format" in "computer".

 

[MrWillis]

I would recommend you replace the existing HDD with the SSD with the same connections,then do a clean install from your OS disk,this will ensure the OS is installed as it should be and avoid any problems with with dual boot and the system reserved partition.
You can then install your HDD and format it from the OS on the SSD by right clicking on it then "format" in "computer".

Sorry, I'm still slightly confused but I'm not sure what on !

I'm gunna go through step by step of what I think I will do:

Whilst the PC is off unplug the HDD and plug in SSD, put in Win7 disc, turn on PC, install windows, turn off PC, plug in HDD (as well as SSD), turn on PC, enter BIOS and set SSD as the boot drive or whatever, load up Windows, once loaded go to computer and delete any partitions on the HDD, create a new partition on the HDD then format it - Done.

I also saw something in another forum about making sure AHCI mode is on in the BIOS.

Is this right..or am I a lost cause

 

[vanthus]

Yes,make sure the SSD is set to AHCI before installing windows,then install the HDD,the system should boot to the SSD,you can then format the HDD from "computer" as I described.

 

[Buzz]

PC off,

Remove HDD
Plug in SSD in position of HDD

PC On

Put win 7 in CDrom drive
Boot to cd **
Install win7

PC Off

Plug in HDD keeping SSD as is

PC On
Boot computer
Format HDD anyway you like

It shouldnt have any issues with dual booting.

***If you have issues getting CDrom to boot to load windows press del/F12 (this can vary depending on machine) after pc power on and load boot up options. Make sure the CDrom drive you are using will be first to boot.

 

[MrWillis]

PC off,

Remove HDD
Plug in SSD in position of HDD

PC On

Put win 7 in CDrom drive
Boot to cd **
Install win7

PC Off

Plug in HDD keeping SSD as is

PC On
Boot computer
Format HDD anyway you like

It shouldnt have any issues with dual booting.

***If you have issues getting CDrom to boot to load windows press del/F12 (this can vary depending on machine) after pc power on and load boot up options. Make sure the CDrom drive you are using will be first to boot.

Fantastic, thanks Buzz +rep!

I will be doing this when I get home from work about 8pm depending on whether my SATA cable came in the post, if it hasn't I might do all of the steps up to the last with the HDD cable, then, once Windows is installed and I no longer need the disc, use the CD-ROM SATA cable (I have no use for a CD-ROM at the moment)..if that would work, I dont see why not.

Last question: when it comes to other files e.g music, videos etc. is it just a case of drag and drop into the SSD? Because I will be putting WoW on there.

Thanks for all the help guys and sorry that I'm a bit of a simpleton at this stuff!

 

[Buzz]

Files : IE A music file, video file, photograph etc all can be just copied over directly.

Software/games : IE Antivirus, Music players, games all need to be fully reinstalled. There are a few games out there that can be simply copied over and back but usually as a rule, you need to install fully.

Install windows
Install Anti - Virus
Update windows
Install software/games
Copy files

You can use any sata cable but there are different types which may a little decrease in performance if used, but can be used in mean time till new one comes. Its debatable how much, if any, performance loss you get with using the different sata type cables

Asus SATA 6Gb/s (Black/White)
Asus SATA 3Gb/s (Red)
Asus SATA 3Gb/s (Black)
Intel SATA 3Gb/s (Blue)

 

[MrWillis]

It's a black one so I'm guessing the 3Gb/s. I've got a SATA III 6Gb/s in the post from Amazon for 60p (LOL) so should have that soon.

I'll get that done tonight and post on this thread to let you know the result.

Thanks, you've helped a lot.

 

[MrWillis]

All done. Everything is working fine.

Thanks for all the help.