Switching to a new HDD and SSD

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kezehh

Commendable
Jun 12, 2016
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1,510
I am currently running on a 1TB HDD for all of my storage and my OS (Windows 10).
I am upgrading to a 120gb SSD for my OS and a new hybrid drive for my storage.
I am wanting to know how I should go about transfering general files and programme files to my new hybrid drive whilst also transfering my OS to the ssd to then do a clean install without losing any files (documents, steam games etc).
 
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Boogieman_WD
Hey there, kezehh. Welcome to tom'sHardware. :)

If you are going for a fresh install then I would recommend against cloning the OS to the SSD first. That's just has extra steps and there's not much point to it. I'd recommend that you simply connect the SSD to the computer and install Windows (with all other drives disconnected during the installation process). Once you have installed the OS, you can connect your old hard drive and the new hybrid drive and transfer all the data you don't want to lose over to the SSHD (hybrid drive). Stuff like files from your User Folder (e.g. pictures, videos, documents, projects etc.). You might have some game folders there which could contain save game files or settings files and it might be a good...
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Boogieman_WD

Boogieman_WD

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Jul 31, 2014
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Hey there, kezehh. Welcome to tom'sHardware. :)

If you are going for a fresh install then I would recommend against cloning the OS to the SSD first. That's just has extra steps and there's not much point to it. I'd recommend that you simply connect the SSD to the computer and install Windows (with all other drives disconnected during the installation process). Once you have installed the OS, you can connect your old hard drive and the new hybrid drive and transfer all the data you don't want to lose over to the SSHD (hybrid drive). Stuff like files from your User Folder (e.g. pictures, videos, documents, projects etc.). You might have some game folders there which could contain save game files or settings files and it might be a good idea to back them up as well.

As for the programs, you'd better install them again on the SSHD since you'll have a fresh OS installation and some of them might have to be reconfigured. I'm not sure if moving your steam installation along with the games to a different drive and basically a different OS, but you can give it a try with this tutorial: https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7418-YUBN-8129.

Make sure that you set your SATA mode to AHCI from the BIOS/UEFI, before you install Windows to the SSD. :)

Hope that helps. Please let me know how everything goes and don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
Boogieman_WD
 
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K

kezehh

Commendable
Jun 12, 2016
14
0
1,510
Thanks Boogieman, ill give that method a try. With reinstalling windows 10, should I just download the install thing, or is there another way to reinstall? Also, would I need my windows key or should it just recognise it if I skip the activation process?
 
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Boogieman_WD

Boogieman_WD

Judicious
Jul 31, 2014
6,050
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35,960
If you don't have a product key for Windows, you should go with cloning the OS. However if you do have a product activation key, you should be able to activate it by using it. You can create a Windows 10 DVD/USB by following the instructions from this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10. However if you code is for a different version of Windows I'm not 100% sure that it will work for Win 10. I've heard that Win 7 product activation key works, but in order to be sure you might have to get in touch with Microsoft's customer support and ask for more info.
 
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K

kezehh

Commendable
Jun 12, 2016
14
0
1,510
From what Ive seen, if im just reinstalling windows 10, id I skip the process of activation it should recognise the key once it recognises the hardware? Im going to assume that my windows 7 key will work, but i will contact microsoft support to clarify the problem
 
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