Couple questions while setting up new SSD

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Alfie23

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Hey everyone,

I just bought a new SSD and am getting ready to install it. I've never done this before and I've read and watched countless amounts of set up guides but I have just a couple questions to make sure I do this properly. So before I install the SDD I have to unplug the HDD? Should I backup the HDD before getting ready to install the SDD? Also, since I'll be doing a clean install of Windows on the SDD, what happens to the Windows OS that I left installed on the HDD? Do I need to backup, then wipe my HDD? I plan on using the hard drive as storage for larger files.

Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot everyone and Happy New Year!
 
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USAFRet


If there is no Windows or System Reserved on that HDD, there will be zero conflict.
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Not required, but highly recommended to unplug the HDD while you install on the SSD.

After things are running properly, verify the SSD is the only thing in the boot order, then reconnect the HDD.
It is recommended that you copy anything off the HDD that you need, and wipe all partitions.
Then you can use it as needed.
 
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Brillis Wuce

Brillis Wuce

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You don't need to do anything with your old HDD. In fact, I would remove it completely during the installation onto your SSD.

Once your SSD has the OS installed, you can connect your old HDD again. Just be sure to go into the BIOS to make sure your SSD is still boot priority #1.

After your computer is in the OS, go into your old HDD and just delete the "Windows" folder to get rid of any conflict.
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Yes, keep your old HDD unplugged while you install windows on the ssd.
If you do not, windows will put a hidden recovery partition on the HDD complicating things later.

After the install, your old hard drive can be attached, and all your files will be available. Apps which use the registry will not run from the hard drive and will need to be reinstalled.
You can simply delete the windows files from the hdd.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Actually, it's not just the Windows folder. There is also the Users folder, Program Files, etc, etc...and the System Reserved boot partition.
Not critical that you remove those, but to prevent any future confusion....wipe them out and start with an empty HDD.
 
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Brillis Wuce

Brillis Wuce

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Yeah, good point.
 
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Alfie23

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Thank you everyone for your replies. Is there another way to get rid of Windows to prevent any conflictions or is starting with a clean hard drive the best way? Also, is there a way to back up my files on the hard drive without backing up Windows files?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Delete all folders associated with Windows.
Windows, Users, Program Files, Program Files (x86)...and then also get the System Reserved partition (boot info).

Personally, I find it easier to just wipe all the partitions, and know that I got everything. And start with a clean drive.
This, after I know that I have retrieved anything off that drive that I may want. Maybe give it a day or two before you do that.
 
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Alfie23

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Ok so just to clarify. Backup then reformat hard drive. Unplug hard drive while installing SSD. After finishing installation of SSD, plug HDD back in and there should be no conflictions with Windows, correct?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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If there is no Windows or System Reserved on that HDD, there will be zero conflict.
 
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