Moving Windows 8 OEM from HDD to SSD

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Wulfric5

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Dec 23, 2013
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Hello,

I have Windows 8 OEM installed on my HDD. I'm thinking of buying an SSD and moving the OS to it by formatting my HDD and fresh installing it on the SSD. So, my question is, considering I can only install OEM version one at a time, would formatting my HDD completely, then re-installing Windows 8 on the SSD work? If so or if not, could you please explain the things I should do step by step (like formatting my HDD, BIOS settings, etc.)?

Edit: I'll be using the HDD afterwards, for storage and the SSD I'm going to buy is Samsung 850 EVO 250 or 120 GB.

Thanks in advance.
 
Solution
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Yes, this process will work fine. You may have to go through phone activation since it's the OEM version, but it only takes a few minutes. Good on you for doing a fresh install - it's definitely the preferred way to maintain maximum performance. Below are the steps I'd follow:

1) Go into BIOS and make sure SATA mode is AHCI (very important).
2) Turn off and unplug HDD (just so you're certain you're installing Windows on the SDD).
3) Connect SSD to SATA 6Gb/s and insert Windows disk, then power up.
4) Install Windows onto the SSD (should be labelled with Unallocated Space).
5) Download all necessary drivers.
6) Power off and reconnect HDD, ensuring the SSD is the default boot device.
7) Begin to transfer the files you wish to keep fron...
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ryanroks1

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Sep 1, 2014
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Yes, this process will work fine. You may have to go through phone activation since it's the OEM version, but it only takes a few minutes. Good on you for doing a fresh install - it's definitely the preferred way to maintain maximum performance. Below are the steps I'd follow:

1) Go into BIOS and make sure SATA mode is AHCI (very important).
2) Turn off and unplug HDD (just so you're certain you're installing Windows on the SDD).
3) Connect SSD to SATA 6Gb/s and insert Windows disk, then power up.
4) Install Windows onto the SSD (should be labelled with Unallocated Space).
5) Download all necessary drivers.
6) Power off and reconnect HDD, ensuring the SSD is the default boot device.
7) Begin to transfer the files you wish to keep fron the HDD to a different device such as USB stick or the SSD temporarily.
8) Format the HDD.
9) Transfer the media / general storage files back to HDD.
10) You'll then have a nice, fresh install! :)
 
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Wulfric5

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Dec 23, 2013
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I believe the 4th step is where I'll need to go through phone activation, right? Thank you so much by the way.

Edit: Also, in the 6th step, how do I ensure that the SSD is the default boot device?
 
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ryanroks1

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Sep 1, 2014
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Yes, that's right! Just search 'This PC', right click and press properties. It should tell you if it's activated, and if not, it'll give you the phone activation instructions.

As for ensuring it's the default boot device, go into your BIOS settings and make sure it's the top of the boot order. If you can't find it, let me know what motherboard you have and I'll look into it for you.
 
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Wulfric5

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Dec 23, 2013
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It's a PC I built myself so yes.
 
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