Windows 7 Ingenuine >_< SSD Help

OreoBlizzard

Reputable
Aug 26, 2014
2
0
4,510
Ok about 6 months ago I did lots of research for my first PC build. I bought all the parts and got stuck physically putting it together. (Noob)

So I called a student on Craigslist doing computer repair and he worked his magic, and I learned a lot in the process. Since he was a student I asked if he could get me Windows 7 64 Ultimate for a discount, he said yes for $20. Cool.

About 8 months later I get the typical Windows is Not Genuine with black screen error that many get. Upon trying to do the SLMGR -REARM trick I discover a RemoveWat file. So basically I ended up paying for a pirated OS. >_< (Luckily it's not a big deal, because this build was temporary anyways considering I wanted an SSD eventually but didn't have the $$$ at the time.)

So I have a single 1TB HDD at the moment with about 400GB worth of files that I need for work(I'm a music producer)

I'm buying a 500GB Samsung EVO SSD and a legit copy of Windows 7.

Here is the problem:
I don't have a backup HDD that I can move all my files to so I can format my main HDD. Could I just do this?

1. Disconnect old HDD.
2. Connect 500GB SSD and install windows and antivirus
3. Reconnect HDD and move over all files I need to SSD (about 400GB)
4. Format HDD.
5. Move files back to HDD from SSD.

This would make most of my programs nonfunctional, but I'd have absolutely no problems with all of my other files right? I mean music files, firefox bookmarks, word documents, etc.

Sorry if it's a noob question. I have no experience with SSD's and want to make sure I'm not missing something obvious. I don't want to drop an extra $50 on another 1TB HDD that I'll never use again just to do this.
 
Solution
Programs won't work, but you can do all that stuff with files. Most software has options to export user data (including FF's bookmarks, or you can copy the whole userdata folder).

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
1. "about 400GB worth of files that I need for work(I'm a music producer)"
You should always have a back up situation going. A file that exists on one and only one drive may be said to not exist at all. Especially custom files that you created. One drive crash, poof.

2. Your steps 1-5 will work. Just be mindful of free space on the SSD. You want to always leave around 10-15% free.
Step 2a. Let Windows do all of its updates before moving to step 3.
 

gopher1369

Distinguished
Jan 20, 2012
1,011
0
19,660
I would do this:

Buy the legit copy of Windows 7.
Activate it on your current setup.
Clone the HDD onto the SSD using Clonezilla.
Format the harddrive.

Edit: scratch that, Samsung SSDs come with cloning software, "Samsung Magician". Easier to use that instead of Clonezilla.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


I wouldn't. No telling exactly what that pirate OS holds. Rarely are they just the original OS.
Wipe and reinstall with a known good copy.
 

OreoBlizzard

Reputable
Aug 26, 2014
2
0
4,510
Thnx guys, TomsHardware is the cat's pajamas.

You're right USAFRet, I def do need a backup HDD and I'm also going to get a cloud account for backup storage.

I also would like to add something for others that may stumble upon this:

After about a month of using my new PC my desktop icons would scatter randomly at every sleep/restart. I've tried everything possible, every single fix on the internet. Align to grid, lock icons, refresh, themes, etc. Even 3rd party software fixes. I had all settings correct. This should NOT have been happening. My icons didn't just all bunch to the left or right side, they would leave blank spaces and just be utterly chaotic.

This drove me to the brink of Lovecraftesque insanity.

I now realize it's probably because of the pirated OS. So if anyone else has had that maddening problem, consider it could be for that reason. Maybe this information will prevent a few suicides.

Peace.
 
You need a good backup ASAP!! There is no telling what could go wrong with all of this file movement/copying/reformatting. What would you do if you lost your files during this process?

Here is a 1 TB USB 3.0 External HDD that only costs $70: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/846319-REG/Hitachi_0S03454_1_TB_Touro_Mobile.html

I have this drive and I have been using it for the past year. It is cheap, quiet, fast and reliable. Get it or something similar before you slip up and accidentally loose your very important files!

Yogi