SSD for OS Only. Keep settings and users on HDD

zxo

Honorable
Apr 2, 2013
16
0
10,510
I just built a new Intel PC and I installed Windows 7 on the SSD. I have my HDD connected as drive F that I used in my previous build and I'd like to have everything as it was in my old build (users, desktop wallpaper/icons, settings, etc) running normally. I'm just sitting here with a fresh instal of Windows 7 and with my old hard drive connected just as in external drive and I'm clueless on what to do.
 

zxo

Honorable
Apr 2, 2013
16
0
10,510


I have another external drive. My old build is AMD.
 


Rebuild the old PC then. Transfer as much data as you can that is not part of Windows. There needs to be less data on the Windows drive than you can fit on the SSD.

You can then use imaging software to image your old windows and just move it to the SSD.
Unfortunately the chances ARE VERY good that the windows install will not work. So then you will need to do a Windows repair and HOPE it works. Since it is a new build the drivers will differ a lot, this causes windows to not boot.
Chances are it won't work...

IT REALLY IS MUCH SIMPLER TO USE THE NEW WINDOWS INSTALL...
 

GavinLeigh

Distinguished
Jun 30, 2006
333
0
18,860
You can also use the File and Transfer Wizard in Windows 7 to save all your old settings and move them to a new installation:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Transfer-files-and-settings-from-another-computer

You'll need to put your old hard drive back in as the main drive and boot to it, then run the wizard and export the files to an external drive or folder on that drive. Then put the SSD back in and boot to it. User the wizard to import from the folder / drive you saved to. You may need to hook that drive to a SATA port (not USB) as I seem to remember issues using USB in the past. Then you should have your icons and favorites back. You'll still need to reinstall most of your applications.

Good Luck.
 

GavinLeigh

Distinguished
Jun 30, 2006
333
0
18,860


I don't think the new installation will see that old user folder as a valid user. If only it was that simple :)
 

zxo

Honorable
Apr 2, 2013
16
0
10,510
My old computer is completely disassembled and there is no chance of putting it back together. Since it was AMD, I can't boot from the HDD or else I'll get a blue screen. What can I do?
 


Nothing more than what we have already suggested... SOrry.
 
If you have win 7 as a fresh install , and your old pc still intact this is pretty simple

Just follow the instructions
http://www.nextofwindows.com/how-to-change-user-profile-default-location-in-windows-7/

Once that is done , and you have reinstalled all your programs, use a USB transfer cable between the 2 pc's and the windows file and settings transfer wizard.

It will take some time depending on how large your files are but it should happen without any trouble