How to Install a SDD as the primary drive and have my old hdd as a storage drive

amolina5

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Dec 8, 2013
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Hello, I would like to know the precise steps on how to have my SSD as my boot drive with OS and use my old HDD (which has everything on it so far) as just a storage drive (being that it is a 1TB HDD). I would rather install the SSD as a OS fresh install using my recovery media disc. I know I have to disconnect the HDD data sata cable while doing a fresh OS install on the SSD? What are the necessary steps after? Thanks Guys
 
Solution
Thats quite simple on a pc. You disconnect the data cable and power lead from the front of the existing HDD drive, and plug them into your solid state drive; (where ever you have screwed it into your drive bay)
Then your pc will say insert o/s media. (cos it cant find an o/s) So you put 7 on, get it all running with the ssd and THEN you connect the old hard drive to the motherboard connector marked SATA (2) next to your original cable lead, and you plug a sata power connector back int your old drive as well.
When you reboot, windows will see your old hdd as drive 'D', and you will be able to copy anything off it.
USAFRETIRED is a better man for easier options than mine, but mine is a rough way round.

chrisso

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Nov 17, 2013
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Thats quite simple on a pc. You disconnect the data cable and power lead from the front of the existing HDD drive, and plug them into your solid state drive; (where ever you have screwed it into your drive bay)
Then your pc will say insert o/s media. (cos it cant find an o/s) So you put 7 on, get it all running with the ssd and THEN you connect the old hard drive to the motherboard connector marked SATA (2) next to your original cable lead, and you plug a sata power connector back int your old drive as well.
When you reboot, windows will see your old hdd as drive 'D', and you will be able to copy anything off it.
USAFRETIRED is a better man for easier options than mine, but mine is a rough way round.
 
Solution

chrisso

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Nov 17, 2013
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Oh, and I like my option because of something called the 'MASTER BOOT RECORD'.
If the old drive fails, the machine will still boot up usable. If you put Windows on with the old drive connected as a slave and the old drive fails, the blooming machine wont boot up until you repair the windows install.
Always put windows on with only one drive installed...
 

amolina5

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Dec 8, 2013
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10,510
Thanks. How do I copy stuff from my "D drive"(stock/regular HDD ) to my SSD. I only want to copy over a few things). Also, if my storage HDD had everything on it (word documents) and I want to transfer word documents to my SSD, (which does not have MS OFFICE since it is a fresh OS Install) will it accept the transfer? I know this can be answered by installing MS OFFICE, just curious?