Pre-install Windows 8.1 Pro x64 on secondary SSD for new system build?

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Caltd

Caltd

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Jul 21, 2014
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Building a new system and in anticipation I'd like to pre-install Windows 8.1 Pro x64 on a Samsung 840 Pro series SSD. The aforementioned SSD is currently installed as a secondary (non-OS) drive in another build.

Have seen other questions & replies that indicate that this is possible but the one's I've seen are sparse on procedural details. Any help is appreciated!

Thanks in advance...

UPDATE: No data on target SSD to preserve. No need to migrate user data or settings from current system. (Looking for clean break.) Simply trying to get a jump on the process while parts are being delivered. Thanks again!
 
Solution
SirTrollsALot
Copy what you got on that SSD to another HD for backup, when you install the system on the new drive you need to re-partition it and that will destroy the data on the SSD.

WORD OF CAUTION: If you wanna duel boot it may destroy your previous install if your bios isn't set exactly right...

So... I would physically or in bios un hook that drive so it doesn't get its MBR corrupted...

I Just did this last week, on a 840 Evo, just make sure you have it set up AHCI for the SATA drives in the BIOS, and have your motherboard driver CD ready just in case you need the SATA drivers. If you are running RAID... "MOS DEF" need drivers!

Good luck you'll need it...
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SirTrollsALot

SirTrollsALot

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Aug 14, 2012
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Copy what you got on that SSD to another HD for backup, when you install the system on the new drive you need to re-partition it and that will destroy the data on the SSD.

WORD OF CAUTION: If you wanna duel boot it may destroy your previous install if your bios isn't set exactly right...

So... I would physically or in bios un hook that drive so it doesn't get its MBR corrupted...

I Just did this last week, on a 840 Evo, just make sure you have it set up AHCI for the SATA drives in the BIOS, and have your motherboard driver CD ready just in case you need the SATA drivers. If you are running RAID... "MOS DEF" need drivers!

Good luck you'll need it...
 
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Solution
Caltd

Caltd

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Jul 21, 2014
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4,510
UPDATE: No data on target SSD to preserve. No need to migrate user data or settings from current system. (Looking for clean break.) Simply trying to get a jump on the process while parts are being delivered. Any further advice in consideration of this update? Thanks again!
 
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Caltd

Caltd

Reputable
Jul 21, 2014
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4,510
UPDATE 2: Unhooked SSD with old OS on it leaving only desired target SSD (as suggested by @SirTrollsALot) and install went off without a hitch and I've been able to boot in to either new or old OS (WIN7 / WIN8) without trouble. Build of new system still pending so I have no confirmation (yet) that pre-installing was actually useful, but as it was dead time I can hope. Thanks @SirTrollsALot!
 
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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Jun 24, 2014
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You can definitely pre-install it, but as rgd1101 was trying to indicate, it's better to do the install after you build the system so that during the clean install process only the drivers and supporting files for the components you actually plan to run with are installed. This is what you want in a clean install so that there are no leftover drivers or other referenced files hanging out to gum things up. Plus, you will have to re-activate windows due to the fact of a new motherboard which windows will see as a different computer. If you have an OEM version of windows you're now out of luck as it can only EVER be installed on one machine. If you have the full or Pro version (Which I see you do) you will still be required to re-activate due to the new hardware and that may or may not require a phone call if the automatic activation done electronically doesn't believe that you have your product key installed on only one machine. Good luck either way.
 
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