Installing the new SSD and windows 8.1 without losing existing files

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Anil35bucuk

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Jun 4, 2015
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Hi people!

I'm using w7 now, on a slow HDD (divided into C and D parts). I got myself a SanDisk Ultra 2, also obtained W 8.1 key from dreamspark.

I want to install w8.1 on my SSD and boot my PC from it. However, I dont want to lose my files on my HDD. I downloaded a lot of stuff from Steam and I cant download them again as my Internet is too slow.
Any way to do this ? I can go ahead and install 8.1 on SSD but when I have both HDD and SSS having windows (7 and 8.1 for each) how will it open ? Will I have SSD=E: and keep old HDD as C: and D: ? Or do I have to format my HDD ? I've had SSD for 2 months but I didnt do anything because I dont want to risk my files on HDD.

Also my case is Zalman Z5. I cant see where I can put my SSD when I open it. Zalman's page shows the bottom of case but that area seems very cramped, I worry that SSD may get high tempatures.

Thanks for your help ! :)
 
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Corey Martin

Corey Martin

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A good way to do this would be: Download HDD to SSD cloning software, (I recommend HDClone, I used it before) then once your OS is cloned, download a Windows 8.1 ISO, then, run the setup.exe and select "upgrade this PC". Once it asks for the key, enter the one you purchased/recieved, and you SHOULD be good to go.
 
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smorizio

smorizio

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most newer case have just 4 screw holes to mount an ssd on the bottom of the case, most newer case that have the hard drive plastic bay trays the bay trays should have screw mountings for both 3 inch and 2 inch drives. most time the ssd screws will put the ssd to one side of the hard drive tray.
 
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Anil35bucuk

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OK so after cloning, I will have
a)cloned file
b)W8.1 iso
c)empty SSD

then; I would copy the clone in SSD and boot from SSD. After that I will start 8.1 ISO file and upgrade the windows.
Have I got this right ?

OK, I read a bit more. So, I'll plug in my SSD then clone my C: to SSD using some program. Then SSD will become new C: what happens to old C: though ? my C: now is 51 GB so I guess it wont be problem for cloning it drectly to SSD ?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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OK...lets back up here a bit.

You're putting in a new SSD, but want to keep your stuff exactly as it currently is.

This requires that the new SSD be larger than the current used space on the current C drive.
What sizes are we talking about?
 
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Anil35bucuk

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I managed it with another fre-to-use program. I copied my C: to new SSD. My old C was has around 50 gb, my ssd is 128. It worked but it didnt boot from ssd so I got mad and deleted the files in SSD.
But I couldnt delete windows files at SSD, lol. So it has 12 gb windows things in there. Right now, it is seen as just another hard disk in system.:sarcastic:
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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For 50GB used space and a 128GB SSD, any of the current cloning tools would work.
Macrium Reflect, Casper, others.

What did YOU use?
 
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Anil35bucuk

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EaseUS Todo Backup Free 8.9

It cloned well but I couldnt make the system boot from SSD.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Then it did not clone properly
Try Macrium Reflect.
 
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Anil35bucuk

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Will try and let you know. Thanks :)
 
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Anil35bucuk

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Hi again, today I tried with the program you suggested and IT WORKED !! Thanks a lot ! :)

I just have one small program, now the steam game shortcuts(and some other programs) on my desktop doesnt work. I couldnt wrap my head around how to fix it.

either way thank you, my system is a lot faster now ! I fixed steam manually and its OK now. thanks if you have any suggestions I'd liek to hear.

Is it OK if I delete the old C: drive ? (now became F) All the windows files and stuff.
 
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CountMike

CountMike

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Sure but best way would be to delete all the partitions on old drive (there will be at least two) so you can reclaim unused space and than make one or more partitions on it. You should be able to do that rhru disk management or EAsus Partition master or some other program like that.
 
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