Upgrading to a SSD from my HDD, can I still use my retail Windows 7 on the new drive?

perspective11 · Nov 7, 2013

So I guess I can only have 1 copy of my Windows 7 active at one time (fair enough), but I have bought a SSD and would like to format my existing HDD and install Windows 7 on the SSD whilst still having access to the HDD space.

Could somebody direct me in the best possible way to do this?

Thanks.

P1nnacle · Nov 7, 2013

If you add the new drive in and try to install Windows, you can set it to install on the SSD, and you can also delete all the files off your other HDD.

Hawkeye22 · Nov 7, 2013

Disconnect the old drive (power) - you can leave it mounted. Install the SSD. Install win 7 onto the SSD. Reconnect the hard drive and be sure to set the bios to boot from the SSD.

perspective11 · Nov 7, 2013

P1nnacle :

Without having to deactivate Windows on my HDD first? It'll do it for me?

Hawkeye22 · Nov 7, 2013

You shouldn't have to deactivate, at least I never have. I always assumed that when you activate your new copy it checks to make sure another copy isn't in use, but don't know that for sure.

perspective11 · Nov 7, 2013

Do you think an easier solution would be to insert the SDD alongside the existing HDD, format the HDD and then choose to reinstall Windows on the SDD?

P1nnacle · Nov 7, 2013

perspective11 :

That's how I would do it, otherwise you HDD will have a bunch of clutter that will degrade performance.

Hawkeye22 · Nov 8, 2013

If you don't need the data on the hard drive, then sure, format it. Also be sure that only the drive you are installing the OS onto is attached to the motherboard. Install all remaining drives once windows is finished installing.

perspective11 · Nov 8, 2013

Hawkeye22 :

As I understand, the best way to format a HDD outside of a OS is to boot from the Windows install DVD. Should I format the HDD from the install disc, cancel the install, turn off computer, remove HDD, insert the SSD and then go forward with the install?

Hawkeye22 · Nov 8, 2013

Install the SSD only. Run the windows installer from dvd/usb and use the installer to partition and format the SSD and continue with installation. After windows is completely installed, then attach the remaining drives. You can repartition and reformat the remaining drives safely from within windows at that point.

perspective11 · Nov 8, 2013

Hawkeye22 :

Great, thanks for the help Hawkeye22!

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Upgrading to a SSD from my HDD, can I still use my retail Windows 7 on the new drive?

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