How to reinstall Windows 7 on SSD (Help)

Barndtanamo · Jan 22, 2015

Hi Everyone,

I had originally planned to upgrade to a SSD when Windows 10 came out, and do a clean install on that. But now that it's a free upgrade from Windows 7, I feel like I should upgrade the drive now, reinstall 7, to take advantage of the free upgrade when I can.

My question is, what do I need to know before attempting this? Is there a great guide somewhere?

I do not want to buy a new copy of Windows 7, but use my old one. I also do not want to clone or use a system image of the old drive, because I'm going from a 1TB drive down to probably 128GB.

Any advise is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

ronintexas · Jan 22, 2015

If you are going to get a Samsung SSD, they have migration software that allows you to move only the OS and program files - I have had mixed results with this. The best way is to boot from a DVD or bootable flash drive and install the OS from scratch. To do this, you need the OS on DVD or you need to create a bootable flash drive and you need the product key that came with Windows 7.

techguy911 · Jan 22, 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsSlthB5pC8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMo8krAJd5Q

1st is basic setup
2nd how to configure to save your large files to you standard large hard drive.
note 2nd part will delete all files on your large hard drive so if you want to save pictures ect. make sure you back them up to an external source before hand.

Barndtanamo · Jan 22, 2015

ronintexas :

Thanks for the tip! Just a quick question: If I use the same product key that my current build has, won't it come back as "in-use" when I install the new hard drive?

ronintexas · Jan 22, 2015

In most cases, if you haven't installed that product key in the last 180 days, it works without issue. Worst case scenario - it requires phone activation (a pain in the back side), but that will work when you do it.

I would suggest that during the install when it asks for the key - skip that step, then go back and add the key after you have the updates installed - you have 30 days to get it activated.

techguy911 · Jan 22, 2015

Most times it's a bad idea to migrate as it does not optimize your setup you will loose 25-30% speed this way.
Also you will want to change paths of desktop,my documents,pictures,movies,downloads and music to large hard drive how to do that is in 2nd video.

Barndtanamo · Jan 22, 2015

Thanks for all the help everyone!

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How to reinstall Windows 7 on SSD (Help)

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