Fresh Windows 7 install on a new SSD

lxstuart · Mar 9, 2016

I tried the search, but couldn't quite find what I was looking for.

I am planning on doing a fresh install of Windows 7, mainly for housekeeping reasons, but I have never done this before.
I have a fresh new SSD to use as my C: drive, and the Windows disk for installation.
I am also planning to swap my two storage drives at the same time.
All of my documents/game saves/ pictures/music/por....movies will be backed up onto external storage. All my games and software can be reinstalled without any issues (I hope, they all have discs, or came from Steam).

Is there anything else I should do before/whilst taking the plunge?

R_1 · Mar 9, 2016

I would make sure you have the network driver ready in case it isn't in the win 7 driver database. SATA drivers are nice to have just in case.

lxstuart · Mar 9, 2016

I'm pretty sure all of that is on the motherboard utilities disc, which I still have.

techgeek · Mar 9, 2016

lxstuart :

Chances are, the manufacturer will have more up to date driver versions on their support page for your motherboard.

There isn't much other than make sure you have AHCI enabled before you start the install.

I suggest once you get Windows up and running (drivers, updates, software you want on the SSD), move your user files (Documents, Pictures, Music, etc) to your HDD. Most of these files you don't need the quick read / write speeds for.

lxstuart · Mar 9, 2016

Yes, I'm planning to have just OS, programs and games running of the SSD, a 2TB WD Black for documents music pictures etc, 6TB WD Black for Canon Raw files and video stuff, another 6TB for other storage.
I'm also planning on hooking up an old SSD to use as a scratch disc for photoshop.

Yes I know, thats a lot of storage.

lxstuart · Mar 9, 2016

Also, I'll be using the same licence key for Windows, is there likely to be any problems with doing that?

techgeek · Mar 9, 2016

As long as the motherboard hasn't changed you shouldn't have any issue activating it. However not everything is perfect in the land of MicroSoft, so I'll never say never. That said I've done this a few times and never had an issue.

Is there a reason you aren't considering Windows 10? Since you are installing your OS from scratch anyhow, why not move to Windows 10?

That is a lot of storage. I've got a 500GB Samsung 840 EVO and a 2TB Seagate Barracuda XT. I keep all my user files, STEAM, and Origin on the HDD. I don't need the speed of a SSD for my games, nor do I have the room for them on my SSD. My STEAM folder is presently 650GB.

lxstuart · Mar 9, 2016

Main reason for staying with 7 is because I'm happy with it.
It does what I need, and I can find my way around it. A new operating system, however similar, will have a learning curve.
I also don't like how 10 looks, it looks like it is supposed to be for a phone.

techgeek · Mar 9, 2016

I certainly won't try to convince anyone to switch. Though I can say I'm personally happy with it. I like the new Start Menu which is completely customizable once you get all the MicroSoft sponsored garbage out of it. I don't miss the transparent title bars. It boots fast, faster than my Windows 8.1 (which I didn't like) install which is definitely faster than Windows 7.

Lastly, no DX12 on any other OS but Windows 10. There are a few DX12 games coming this year, so I thought I'd get ahead of the curve. I've been running Windows 10 since it released and I've grown pretty good with it. Occasionally I have to use the search to find something, but that takes seconds. Actually I find Windows 10 search is almost as useful as Ubuntu's which is saying a lot.

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Fresh Windows 7 install on a new SSD

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