Steps for Windows 8.1 from HDD to SSD. Keep HDD Data, Clean Install of SSD's OS.

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aanders50

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Dec 20, 2013
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Looking for a guide or complete steps on how to keep my HDD's data, but wipe the OS from it. Then to re-install that OS on a new SSD. I have never installed an OS on a machine with two hard drives, and I am not sure how to remove it from my HDD without breaking my other data. I also am unsure if I have to install my SSD in any special way, so that the OS installs on the SSD and not the HDD.

I know how to grab my Windows key with Belarc but that is about it.

I made an inquiry on MS Forums as well, to keep my old OS, and they said to make a USB Recovery Drive, is that a good way to re-install? (http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-windows_install/best-way-to-reinstall-windows-881-with-only/8dad70eb-acb5-4d03-b4e3-aa028befac7a)
 
Solution
USAFRet
No, don't listen to that recovery drive nonsense. A clean install on the new SSD is much preferred.

1. Be sure you have a good copy of any program installation and disks. You will need these later
2. Gather all your software license keys, username/passwords, etc. Preferably, print these out.
3. . Do you have the license key and a good install media?
4. if yes, disconnect the SATA data cable from the other drive(s)
5. Install the OS on the SSD. Being only the one drive, you can't screw it up...:)
6. Once it is all installed and working well, you can then reconnect the old hard drive.
7. Copy any personal data (doc/pics/music/video), off the HDD. Once you are SURE you have all of that, wipe it
8. Now you can start to reinstall your...
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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No, don't listen to that recovery drive nonsense. A clean install on the new SSD is much preferred.

1. Be sure you have a good copy of any program installation and disks. You will need these later
2. Gather all your software license keys, username/passwords, etc. Preferably, print these out.
3. . Do you have the license key and a good install media?
4. if yes, disconnect the SATA data cable from the other drive(s)
5. Install the OS on the SSD. Being only the one drive, you can't screw it up...:)
6. Once it is all installed and working well, you can then reconnect the old hard drive.
7. Copy any personal data (doc/pics/music/video), off the HDD. Once you are SURE you have all of that, wipe it
8. Now you can start to reinstall your applications. You can't just use the old ones from the original install.. Your new OS and Registry knows nothing about them. Some/most go on the new SSD, maybe some games over on the old HDD.

 
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aanders50

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Dec 20, 2013
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3. So, if I do not have an install disk, what should I do? I have a valid Windows 8/8.1 copy and key. What should I do?
7. Can I copy over, wipe, and past back Steam-based games instead of re-downloading?
8. Is wiping an HDD pretty easy? Some free program/Windows function that will do it for me?

Also, is this a way to get a clean media? http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media
 
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aanders50

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Dec 20, 2013
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3. None, my system came pre-installed with Windows 8. I have sent an email to the manufacturer asking for an install disk.

Any updates for 7 and 8?

Thank you thus far!!
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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Ah, preinstalled. Yes, you will need that from the manufacturer.
Or, there should be a function to create that yourself, from the Recovery Partition. Look in your user manual.

7. See this for Steam games: https://www.google.com/search?q=move+steam+games&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
8. Disk Management in Windows. Can delete all partitions and reformat the drive.
 
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