moving and installing programs. to new drive.

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crazyperson214

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I may upgrade my drives with a new SSD for my OS with 3-4 games and a HDD for everything else.

I read on here that it's not possible to transfer my programs to a new HDD or SSD due to registry files.

My question is, do I need to use CD's and websites I installed my programs from to re-install them or is there already an installer or some sort of setup program in my program files I can use to re-install them on my new drives?

If I have to sit and watch my computer install programs for hours on end, that's fine, I just cannot lose some of the programs I have.

I ask because I have multiple programs I received free from college (hundreds of dollars, possibly thousands worth:D) that I absolutely do NOT want to lose. :) I no longer have access to the college website to download these programs either or I would just do that (I graduated).

Also, if I have to use my old drive and cannot re-install these programs. Know any good hardcore software to clean up old drives, check for errors, and scan for malware/virus? My drive is probably ok, but I hate putting old parts in new builds so I want to verify it is working excellent :).

Any help would be awesome!
 
Solution
USAFRet


Some of the newer applications allow you to exclude things in Libraries. Doc/Music/Video/etc. Samsung Data Migration, for instance.
I've not seen anything reliable that does 'this program, but not that program'.
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Wolfshadw

Wolfshadw

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If I recall correctly, there are some paid-for programs that would allow you to clone your hard drive and some selected programs/folders to your new SSD. Of course, if your new SSD is the same size as your current HDD or larger, there are free programs to just clone everything over.

Generally speaking, if you did not use a CD/DVD to install a program, then you downloaded the installer from a web site. If you still have that downloaded file (typically not written to your program files folder), you may be able to use that to re-install the program, though if it's been some time, you may need to re-authenticate your approved access (not likely to be able to do with your old college programs).

You can use Windows Disk Check to check your hard drive for errors. I would recommend malwarebytes and spybot: search and destroy for anti-malware/anti-spyware programs and Avira or Avast for anti-virus.

-Wolf sends
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Some of the newer applications allow you to exclude things in Libraries. Doc/Music/Video/etc. Samsung Data Migration, for instance.
I've not seen anything reliable that does 'this program, but not that program'.
 
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crazyperson214

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1. looking at one SSD around 240 gigs
2. 748 gigs

At the moment I'm only looking at putting the OS, Star Trek Online, Elder Scrolls Online, Skyrim, and Kerbal Space Program on the SSD. The games will total 86gb (I added 15 gigs for expansions and mods). Not sure about the size of the OS.

Wolfshadw
I will look for the downloaded programs installation files.
Luckily I do have a copy of Mathcad on CD along with MS office 2013.
Will try those programs you recommended, thanks! :)

USAFRet
If it comes down to it I will just use my old drive as a "my docs" drive.
The most important thing to me is getting Mathcad and MS 2013 on the new drive.


I had a sudden idea. If I were to remove all the other crap off my old drive and only have left the OS and the few programs I want to keep, would it just be easier to flash the whole thing over to my new SSD and then format my old drive?

How much space will my OS take up? This is how I have upgraded my OS so far.
Bought W7 basic, upgraded to W7 ultimate via college, will upgrade to W10 (all 64 bit) free before or after new SSD boot drive (which is the better choice?)

Thanks for your responses so far! :) This is my #1 go to website for PC questions.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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I had a sudden idea. If I were to remove all the other crap off my old drive and only have left the OS and the few programs I want to keep, would it just be easier to flash the whole thing over to my new SSD and then format my old drive?
Click to expand...

If you can get the current install to below 200GB, then you might be a candidate for just cloning it over to the new SSD.

This is why I asked about sizes.
OS + MS Office + MathCad is WAY below that size.
 
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crazyperson214

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That is what I wanted to read! :D I just researched installing 'steam' games to different drives and it is possible.
I believe I will have my drives set up like this:
SSD: (C): OS, MSO 2013, Mathcad, Steam with 4 games.
New HDD: (F): other steam games, other programs, etc.
old HDD: (Old F): for pictures, old folders and files etc.
 
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