Upgrading OS from HDD to SSD and keeping storage on HDD

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GamerBro10

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Jun 8, 2014
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I currently have a pc that I built with a regular cheap 1TB HDD which has Windows 8 installed and all my files. I want to put the OS on the SSD and hook up the HDD as a secondary to still be able to access applications and other files that dont need the full speed of the SSD. From browsing around this does not seem so easy so I was wondering how to do it. My 1TB HDD only has 50GB left so cloning does not seem to be an option.

Can I just use the same Windows install disk to do a fresh install on the SSD and then plug the HDD in to act as the D/secondary drive or will I run into problems sense I already used the windows activation code for the HDD?

I read that there are problems with permissions errors for the HDD if I try to access the files from the newly installed os on the SSD so how would I be able to access all of my files once I upgrade?
 
Solution
SuperSoph_WD
Hey there, GamerBro10!

I'd agree with what @BadAsAl mentioned.
To keep your peace of mind, I'd suggest to backup the data from the HDD somewhere else.
Plug the SSD ONLY in your system, install Windows on it, then plug and reformat your HDD.
Afterwards, use the backup of the data to transfer it back to the HDD. This is the best way to avoid any OS confusions with the booting and everything. Though I doubt it is going to happen if your boot priority is set right and the SSD installation is successful.
Here are a couple of links you can use when setting up your SSD and HDD:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-2018641/ssd-hdd-storage-set.html...
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BadAsAl

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Oct 13, 2009
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You should be able to install fresh on the SSD without issue. Might have to phone activate if online activation fails when you do that from the SSD though... but people do this all the time so you will be able to activate. I have only had to call MS once before for one that would not do either and they got it working.

You can run into permissions issues but as long as you didn't encrypt the HDD all it will do is say you have to gain permission to access the files and you click Continue or something and it will give you access. Might take a while with a lot of data but it should work.
 
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

Glorious
Jul 30, 2014
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Hey there, GamerBro10!

I'd agree with what @BadAsAl mentioned.
To keep your peace of mind, I'd suggest to backup the data from the HDD somewhere else.
Plug the SSD ONLY in your system, install Windows on it, then plug and reformat your HDD.
Afterwards, use the backup of the data to transfer it back to the HDD. This is the best way to avoid any OS confusions with the booting and everything. Though I doubt it is going to happen if your boot priority is set right and the SSD installation is successful.
Here are a couple of links you can use when setting up your SSD and HDD:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-2018641/ssd-hdd-storage-set.html
http://www.overclock.net/t/1156654/seans-windows-7-install-optimization-guide-for-ssds-hdds
http://www.overclock.net/t/664738/how-to-setup-ssd-boot-drive-with-secondary-hard-disc-optimization

Hope this helps! Keep us posted if you have any more questions! :)
SuperSoph_WD
 
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