Clean install with SSD and 2 hard drives

bsacco123 · Mar 24, 2016

I'm preparing for a clean re-installation of Windows 7.

I have a SSD and 2 hard drives. Below are their specs.

Drive C:
Description Local Fixed Disk
Compressed No
File System NTFS
Size 223.47 GB (239,949,836,288 bytes)

Drive E:
Description Local Fixed Disk
Compressed No
File System NTFS
Size 931.51 GB (1,000,202,039,296 bytes)

Drive F:
Description Local Fixed Disk
Compressed No
File System NTFS
Size 931.51 GB (1,000,202,039,296 bytes)

My question is how do i go about installing windows 7 on the SSD when it's only 223 GBs?

Also, should I put all my programs on drive E and data on drive E?

Looking for any best practice advice in addition to step-by-step instructions.

thanks!

4EFF2AF

USAFRet · Mar 24, 2016

1. 223GB is PLENTY for an OS.
2. Most/all of your applications will also fit on this SSD. Games, maybe not.
3. Data on a secondary drive, either E or F.

USAFRet · Mar 24, 2016

Disconnect ALL drives except the SSD
Boot from, and install your Win 7.
When it is all done (activated, etc) and you have rebooted a couple of times to verify it works, than reconnect the other drives.

reedo_43 · Mar 24, 2016

Make sure you ONLY have the ssd connected when installing!

Dark Lord of Tech · Mar 24, 2016

Should always have just the SSD attached when installing windows.

You can choose where to install games and software later after you attach the HDD's.

Programs will give you the install location option.

JackNaylorPE · Mar 24, 2016

1. Install all devices physically into PC; connect all power cables.
2. Connect only SSD data cable to the lowest numbered Intel SATA port
3. Format and install OS to the SSD; reboot
4. Install all drivers / desired utilties from the DVDs / CDs that came with the hardware, reboot
5. Run Windows Update the 27 or whatever times it needs to run till it says no more updates. TURN OFF and do not (ever) let it install any hardware drivers. Reboot
6. Install latest drivers for your components. Reboot.
7. Install programs to SSD, reboot and then turn system off

Optional:
a. Disconnect SSD data cable; connect 1st HD to 2nd lowest numbered SATA port
b. Create a partition the size of your SSD, format and install OS to that partition as a backup if your SSDS fails
c. Continue as above.
d. Alternately make a image of the SSD and the place that image on HD.

8. Connect all HDs and place things as convenient making partitions if it fits your organizational scheme.

bsacco123 · Mar 24, 2016

So, when you say "boot from" you mean boot from my original Window 7 installation DVD in the optical drive... right?

bsacco123 · Mar 24, 2016

Also, should I wipe out Drive E & F and re-format them so that I get a "very clean" re-install?

USAFRet · Mar 24, 2016

bsacco123 :

Yes.

USAFRet · Mar 24, 2016

bsacco123 :

If there is absolutely nothing on those drives you wish to keep, sure.

JackNaylorPE · Mar 24, 2016

bsacco123 :

Yes, you'll note that I included a format step in my post.... of course, back up anything you want to keep before doing so.

Move stuff on D to E ... format D. Move E to D then format E if need be

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Clean install with SSD and 2 hard drives

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