TrollingGuinea :
I think what I learned from this thread is: Backup HDD, erase it, fresh install of windows on SSD, move all the old <stuff> back to HDD. But the issue is, I can't create a copy of everything on to my external, because it starts saying things are being used in another program.
Your way ahead:
Identify all the applications you use/need
Find all those disks, install files, serial numbers, etc, etc. Save elsewhere anything you don't have a physical disk for.
Locate your OS install disk and license key
Locate and save elsewhere all your personal files, including game save if required
Unplug all other drives except the DVD
Connect the SSD
Install the OS on the SSD
Activate
Let it do whatever updates it needs
Verify in the BIOS that the new SSD is the only drive in the boot sequence
Connect the old HDD
Blow away any and all partitions on it, and format as needed
Install applications as needed, most of them besides games on the SSD.
Copy back over your personal files where you want.