Which SATA port for installing SSD to Desktop

With an SSD always do a clean install, imo. All you will require is the install files and the ssd connected, you can run it from windows.

Put the ssd on the lowest sata port, move the hdd to the next available one. AHCI is significantly faster than IDE with an ssd.

Before you install the SSD change to AHCI.

When you access the bios there will be tabs you can switch through. One of the options will be something like Storage Configuration, go in there. There will be a box, Sata Mode --> IDE, change it to AHCI.

After you make the change boot to windows, windows will automatically install new drivers for you. Once confirmed installed, restart again. Now you are ready to install the SSD. Do not install until you have successfully done the other steps.

You can download the Windows 7 Install files directly from Microsoft upon production of a retail serial number, once you have them you can place them either on a DVD or a USB stick; both will suffice but I prefer a DVD. Run the installer from windows, tell it to install to your SSD and watch the progress.

Cloning windows installs does not work well on SSDs, ime.

If no AHCI don't worry about it. I would change it from RAID to ATA/IDE though. IDE might give you further options, choose enhanced.

ATA is the default. RAID and AHCI require a driver install to function. Changing from RAID to ATA should present no problems. If you are not comfortable with it do not do it, as only you can be accountable for the choice and your system is already functioning normally.

No problem. I found an article on changing RAID to SATA if it was of interest to you: http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware-devices/143628-converting-raid-0-non-raid-sata.html

Even on Sata2 the SSD will give you a large boost. Whatever you put it in will boot faster and windows will be quicker to use.

That is the order I would do, although I still wouldn't clone to an SSD

Here is a guide for you: http://lifehacker.com/5837543/how-to-migrate-to-a-solid-state-drive-without-reinstalling-windows

First of all I really don't think you have to be concerned about changing any setting in your BIOS. The likelihood is that the SATA controller is already set to AHCI.

You should have no problem using a disk-cloning program to clone the contents of your present HDD to your new Samsung SSD provided...
1. Your present system is without problems. The HDD boots without incident and functions effectively and you would have no qualms in migrating the entire system over to your new SSD, and,
2. The disk-capacity of the SSD is sufficient to contain the total contents of your HDD.

Given those caveats you can go ahead with the disk-cloning operation.

Fortunately you have a Samsung SSD. The Data Migration program that's bundled with the SSD is an excellent disk-cloning program to use with your system. We've used the program more than a dozen times and it has worked flawlessly.

Here's a rundown re using the SDM program:

(Before you begin ensure that the only drives that are connected in the system are the source & destination drives, i.e., your HDD & SSD. Uninstall any other storage devices that may be connected such as a flash drive, USB external HDD, etc.)

1. With both your HDD & SSD connected boot the system. The system will, of course, boot to the HDD's Win 7 OS.

2. Install the Samsung Data Migration program on the HDD.

3. Access the program and click Start.

4. The Source Disk (your HDD) and the Target Disk (your SSD) will be identified.

5. Click Start.

6. Click Yes when the confirmation message appears.

7. The disk-cloning process will begin. It can be a lengthy process depending upon the amount of data that's being cloned.

8. When the cloning process has successfully completed a message will appear to that effect.

9. Click Quit, then Shut Down.

10. After the system has been shut down disconnect the HDD from the system and boot to the SSD. Assuming all is well ensure that your new SSD boot drive is connected to the first SATA connector on the motherboard which will be designated either SATA 0 or SATA 1. It will probably be the same SATA connector the HDD was connected to. The HDD can now be connected to any following SATA connector.

Work with the new SSD for a while to determine no problems exist. Then you can do what yur want with the HDD which I assume you'll be installing as a secondary drive for backup/storage purposes.

Good luck.

With that 1.5 TB HDD it's of little consequence whether the partition scheme is MBR or GPT.
You can if you want access the System info (command prompt > msinfo32) and check the "BIOS Mode". If it's Legacy (and not UEFI) I would just use the MBR partitioning scheme.

That Windows Backup & Restore program is a dog, notwithstanding Microsoft's trumpeting of the program. It's a pity you even started it. But what's done is done.

While there shouldn't be any problem with your cancelling the program I do have some apprehension that there's always a chance of data corruption involving the drive as a consequence which could adversely affect future data migration. While I suppose the danger of such would be minimal I wonder therefore whether under the circumstances it would be the best course of action to let the program run its course and go on from there. Hopefully time is not a really critical issue for you.

It comes down to "Yer pays yer muny and yer taikes yer cherce".

It comes down to "Yer pays yer muny and yer taikes yer cherce".