Upgrading to Windows 10 with a new SSD. HELP!

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tippsybushkin

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Nov 28, 2012
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Ok so I have read so many different forums and such on this subject but I just don't fully understand it as it applies to my situation so I could really use some help.

Ok so I currently have Windows 7 and all my files, programs, etc. all on my hdd. I bought an SSD and a Windows 10 home install cd. So what I want to do is upgrade to windows 10 by putting it on the SSD and having that be my boot drive. I want all my files and most of my programs still on the HDD.

How do I do this correctly? Is it best to just somehow wipe the hdd completely and then put windows 10 on ssd and move files all back to hdd from an external hard drive? Or can I delete the OS from the hdd and leave all the files? Does that leave a bunch of extra crap I don't want? Or migrating partions....ahhh all so confusing.

And if I am supposed to delete everything on the hdd do I just click format on it?

Sorry if this is a bit confusing but I would love input as I am just thoroughly confused at this point.

Thanks!
 
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R_1
in order asked.
unplug hard drive and plug in SSD. Boot to install media, install windows to SSD. verify the install and update windows. shut down and connect hard drive, boot to ssd. also make the SSD the default boot device in the BIOS. verify that you have booted to the SSD and that the HDD files are available. re-install all the programs installed to the Hard drive to the SSD. make sure the install directory is pointed at the HDD (D: E: do not install to C: ) doing so will install the programs to the new windows install while leaving them (the programs will be replaced but your user files and settings for each program will be kept) intact on the HDD. this must be done for each program as the registry will need to be updated by the...
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Belphegore

Belphegore

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Mar 27, 2016
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Just put in your Windows 10 disc, and your PC should automatically boot to the install screen. You don't have to delete all your files, there will be a screen asking you to format/partition your drives. Do so, and the installation process come afterwards.

Of course, make sure to back up any files you wish to keep.
 
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R_1

R_1

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Sep 8, 2015
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in order asked.
unplug hard drive and plug in SSD. Boot to install media, install windows to SSD. verify the install and update windows. shut down and connect hard drive, boot to ssd. also make the SSD the default boot device in the BIOS. verify that you have booted to the SSD and that the HDD files are available. re-install all the programs installed to the Hard drive to the SSD. make sure the install directory is pointed at the HDD (D: E: do not install to C: ) doing so will install the programs to the new windows install while leaving them (the programs will be replaced but your user files and settings for each program will be kept) intact on the HDD. this must be done for each program as the registry will need to be updated by the installer or the program may not even launch.

No

yes but I do not recommend deleting the windows directory, once you do that the installed windows installation will no longer boot. following the instructions above you can boot windows 7 and windows 10 by selecting the proper boot device in the BIOS.

yes

yes but only when you are sure that the data on the drive will no longer be needed. you want to keep your files I say leave the HDD intact. the windows install on the SSD can still access and use the files that are there, and once the programs are installed to the SSD they can both share the programs installation location.

I say install to SSD and them install programs back to the original location on the HDD because if windows 10/7 will not boot for whatever reason, you should still be able to boot to the other and use it to fix the ailing OS. for this reason alone I would leave the HDD as intact as possible.

 
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