Migrating Windows 8.1 from dual boot (Win 7/8.1) to SSD

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
I

Inaam

Honorable
Dec 29, 2013
24
0
10,520
Hello guys,

I recently completed a new build and just need to install a new OS on there. My previous computer was made by HP and came pre-installed with Windows 7. I have since updated a partition on the HDD to Windows 8.1 (via Microsoft's offer) and now have a dual boot system. Can I transfer Windows 8.1 to a new 120gb SSD which will be used for my new build, whilst still keeping Windows 7 on the HDD so that the old system can still boot Windows 7? I would also like to transfer all the programs and files from the Windows 8.1 partition to a new HDD for my new build.

Overview:
Dual boot HDD --> Windows 7 partition (OS and files) on same HDD + Windows 8.1 OS on new SSD + Windows 8.1 files on new HDD.

I'm not sure if this is even possible and I'd really appreciate your advice. I'm a newbie when it comes to partitioning and this will be the first time I will have used an SSD. Please give your answers in as much detail as you can.

Thank you
 
Solution
USAFRet


Other than simply deleting the partitions, you don't need to do any 'uninstallation'. Just so long as you onlt have it installed on one PC at a time.

Have only the SSD connected when you do the install.
Sort by date Sort by votes
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,326
17,829
184,590
Highly recommend a fresh install on the SSD.

The boot partition contains info about both OS's that currently live in the two partitions on the HDD. Trying to move that to the SSD will be more work than necessary. And leaving it where it is will require other editing to point to the new drive

Secondly, how large is the used space in the 8.1 install? If more than 100GB, you'll need to reduce it. Uninstall applications and move data elsewhere.

Thirdly, I've seen reports of non-optimal performance with an OS that was on an HDD, then migrated to the SSD. Let Windows set itself up properly on the SSD.

Far easier and faster to just do it right and install clean, rather than trying to 'move' it over as it is.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I

Inaam

Honorable
Dec 29, 2013
24
0
10,520
How would I do a fresh install without a disc? And if there is a way, should I just back up my files from the existing windows 8 and just transfer them to the new HDD?

Edit: 108gb has been used from the Windows 8 partition (total partition size is 249gb)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I

Inaam

Honorable
Dec 29, 2013
24
0
10,520


I downloaded it online when Microsoft were offering their promotion of windows 8 upgrade from windows 7.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,326
17,829
184,590


1. That 'upgrade' invalidated/replaced your previous Windows 7 install. It might still work, but that is an invalid license.
2. You should have used the 'Install later' option, and burned a DVD
3. You might still be able to create a Win 8 install disk. See this: http://lifehacker.com/how-to-create-a-windows-8-installation-dvd-or-usb-drive-505769939
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I

Inaam

Honorable
Dec 29, 2013
24
0
10,520
I did create a Windows 8 disk. I thought I hadn't but I've just found it now! Do I just install Windows 8 onto the new SSD? But surely I'd have to uninstall Windows 8 from the HDD, so I would I go about doing that?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,326
17,829
184,590


Other than simply deleting the partitions, you don't need to do any 'uninstallation'. Just so long as you onlt have it installed on one PC at a time.

Have only the SSD connected when you do the install.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
I

Inaam

Honorable
Dec 29, 2013
24
0
10,520


Would anything happen to the Windows 7 partition?
Thanks for your help so far! Really appreciate it.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,326
17,829
184,590


It will still be there on the other drive. Should work OK.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I

Inaam

Honorable
Dec 29, 2013
24
0
10,520


Thank you very much for all your help!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom