Is it possible to move Windows 7 to a SSD without formatting your Hard Drive?

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rhermann0212

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May 5, 2013
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I just picked up a new SSD and was wondering if I could move the Windows 7 OS (not all of my videos, pictures, games, etc.) from my Hard Drive to my SSD without having to wipe my Hard Drive. Basically I just want to keep all of my data on the Hard Drive but boot Windows off of the SSD without having to do a clean install. Is this possible?
 
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rhermann0212

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May 5, 2013
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Isn't that just cloning my disk instead of just the bare essentials of the OS? My data on my Hard Drive exceeds the the 120gb available on my SSD
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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You can't really just spawn off 'part' of the Windows install. In this case, just the OS.

If you think about it, everything installed on that drive becomes part of the OS. Applications that live in Program Files, information that lives in <User>/AppData, everywhere in the Registry...

So, to proceed:
From the HDD, move any files OUT of your User libraries (Documents, Pictures, Videos..). Just make a general folder or two somewhere for these.
Unhook the HDD
Install Windows on the SDD
Change the boot order to favor the SDD (now the C drive)
Install any applications you want on the SDD
Reconnect the HDD
Now you can begin the task of putting things where you want.. Videos on the HDD (in a different folder)...
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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1. This is a 2 year old thread. Start a new one for your issue
2. Trying to run a game that was originally installed on your old drive will usually result in exactly what you are seeing. Does not run because files are missing.
Reinstall it.
 
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