How do I move most of my files to my SSD?

CaptainCrape · May 7, 2016

So, I kind of asked this before but I didn't ask it very well and i didn't get very useful responses, so I am going to ask again.

Hello, I recently bought an Adata SP550 240GB SSD. I would like to move most my files to it. The only files I would like to keep are all of my Steam and Origin games. i have another 1TB Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM HDD to put those games on.

The Windows version I use is Windows 10 64-Bit

I want to reinstall windows on my SSD, and then transfer my old files (besides my games) to it.

Here is my full specs list: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/CaptainCrape/saved/XFg8TW

Also one more question, if I reinstall windows on my SSD, will I still be able to use my HDD normally? Or will it have to reformat?

Thanks.

ss202sl · May 7, 2016

"if I reinstall windows on my SSD, will I still be able to use my HDD normally? "
Depends on what is on the HDD. Any applications will have to be re-installed. Data files will be good. Your Steam and Origin libraries should be able to be kept(or moved), and when Steam and Origin are re-installed you can point them to the game library, and should validate the gamed(without re-downloading them).

USAFRet · May 7, 2016

I want to reinstall windows on my SSD, and then transfer my old files (besides my games) to it.

This depends on what you mean by 'files'.

Doc/music/video? Sure.
Applications? No.

CaptainCrape · May 7, 2016

So, I can't use any applications, but I can use all my files? I am still confused.

CaptainCrape · May 7, 2016

USAFRet :

Can I use my games?

USAFRet · May 7, 2016

CaptainCrape :

Well...maybe, probably.

CaptainCrape · May 7, 2016

USAFRet :

So, what do i do? Just plug in my SSD, set up the boot order and install Win10 and I'll be good?

USAFRet · May 7, 2016

So...let's start from the beginning.

You have a brand new 240GB SSD.
You have a 1TB drive, with all your current stuff on it.
You wish to have the SSD be your main drive, with the OS and some other stuff.

Correct?

How much total used space is on your current 1TB HDD?

CaptainCrape · May 7, 2016

USAFRet :

Yes, that is correct.

Out of 1TB, (931GB formatted), I have used 695GB, most of it games. (This is my gaming PC so I have almost every game I own on it.) Out of that, around 100GB of that is my files.

USAFRet · May 7, 2016

OK...sizes dictate a clean install on the SSD is needed.

Are these Steam games, or other?
If Steam, locate the Steamapps folder.
Create a new folder on your current drive...call it MyGames.
Move your Steamapps folder to this new folder.

Now we proceed with installing the OS on the SSD
Disconnect all other drives except the SSD
Install the OS.
Verify it actually works.
Check your boot order, restart a couple of times.
Run all the current updates, and make sure it's activated.
Now consider reconnecting the old HDD.

Start installing whatever applications you want, on the SSD.
Including the Steam client.
In that Steam client, designate that folder you created, MyGames, as the default location.

CaptainCrape · May 7, 2016

USAFRet :

I also have some origin games too, but I don't have many and I can easily reinstall them. So, I'll ignore that.

Also, will I be able to move the files on my HDD to it as soon as its running?

CaptainCrape · May 7, 2016

USAFRet :

And wait, do I copy the steamapps folder or move it. Also, moving my steamapps folder will take a very long time.

Also, why do I move it to the MyGames folder?

USAFRet · May 7, 2016

CaptainCrape :

Move.
Why? To move it out of the current /User/ folder tree. Makes it easier to access later.

CaptainCrape · May 7, 2016

USAFRet :

How will it be easier to access?

USAFRet · May 7, 2016

CaptainCrape :

Because its not trapped in a subfolder of a subfolder of a subfolder of Program Files (x86).

CaptainCrape · May 7, 2016

USAFRet :

CaptainCrape :

Because its not trapped in a subfolder of a subfolder of a subfolder of Program Files (x86).

Okay.

CaptainCrape · May 7, 2016

USAFRet :

Okay, so I have vastly downsized my steamapps folder (deleted all games I don't currently play) and I am ready to move it.

CaptainCrape · May 8, 2016

USAFRet :

CaptainCrape :

Because its not trapped in a subfolder of a subfolder of a subfolder of Program Files (x86).

Do I move it to the My Games folder in the Documents?

CaptainCrape · May 8, 2016

Ive been stumped for a while and I wish I could get some responses.

USAFRet · May 8, 2016

CaptainCrape :

No. Just its own top level folder.

CaptainCrape · May 8, 2016

USAFRet :

Okay, all of my games are moved and I am ready to set up my SSD.

USAFRet · May 8, 2016

CaptainCrape :

Just to verify, this is a clean install, right?

Disconnect all other drives.
Boot from your install media.
Install.

CaptainCrape · May 8, 2016

USAFRet :

Yes, it is.

So, let me get this straight, I disconnect my HDD (do I disconnect my DVD Drive as well?), connect my SSD, install Windows to that, and then boot from the SSD like a normal install, and then just copy my files over? Will I have to reformat my other drive?

USAFRet · May 8, 2016

If you're installing from a DVD, then you need to have that connected...

But...
Disconnect all other hard drives
Install to the SSD
Verify the boot order
Let it go through all the current existing updates
Once you are satisfied, reconnect the old HDD.

What happens now is up to you.
Does your SSD have enough space for ALL of your personal stuff, incl games?
If yes, copy all to the SSD. NOT the old OS, just your personal stuff.

Or, do you have a 3rd drive? An external, maybe?
If so...copy all tot hat external, and wipe the old HDD.

If you only have the two drives, then you have to be really careful how you proceed.
You want your stuff, but you want the old Windows OS gone from that drive. It is just taking up space.

Segregate your personal stuff from out of the old '/User/Documents', etc. This is why we moved your games folder to elsewhere.

CaptainCrape · May 8, 2016

USAFRet :

Thank you, I can finally set up my SSD. I have enough space for all of my stuff, besides my games, so that's alright.

I have backed up the most important files in case of emergency and I am going to install my SSD.

Thanks for helping.

How do I move most of my files to my SSD?

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