How do I fresh install windows on the SSD?

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markfanter1

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Hey guys.

So, my computer hasn't arrived yet but I want to know in advance how to do this.
The store I bought from builds the computer, but I didn't purchase windows. Instead, I want to fresh install it on my computer when it arrives.

I downloaded the Win 10 on a USB and my computer is going to arrive with an SSD and HDD already plugged in.

I imagine the next step would be to put the USB in and start the computer - what should I expect? How do I partition the SSD and HDD seperately so that windows is installed on the SSD?
 
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markfanter1

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The article says that I should disconnect all non-OS hard drives.

Does that mean I'll need to start opening the PC and disconnecting the actual (clean) hard drive as to avoid installing on it? After installing do I just reconnect it again? It's unclear from the the article.

How will I partition the hard drive afterwards if I already installed win 10 on the SSD?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Yes.
Disconnect ALL drives except the one you want the OS on. The SSD.
This prevents 2 things:
-Possible mistakes. Yes, it happens
-Windows has a habit of installing the boot partition on a second drive. If you take that drive out next year...no boot for you.
 
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cherry blossoms

cherry blossoms

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Please note mark, it is recommended to disconnect the HDD and only have the SSD powered and connected during OS installation as the installer may attempt to create a recovery partition on the other drive during the OS install process. Once your OS is installed, power off and rehook your HDD back up to it's cables.
 
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markfanter1

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OK, guys - but I'm a bit confused on how this will work.

I finish installing the SSD, windows working - I shut down my PC and reconnect my HDD. I turn on my pc... then what? I'm not going to have another drive - do I need to partition it manually? Will Windows detect it automatically?


Also, some more technical questions - I just need to disconnect the hard drive, right?




What if I leave the HDD connected, and just don't allocate its space in the installation? That is, what if I just allocate the SSD and after the installation is complete manually allocate the HDD through w/ the link given earlier? Would that work?

 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Trust me....leave the HDD disconnected while you install on the SSD.
Whether or not you allocate any space during the install, Windows might. Leave it disconnected.


After the OS is installed and working, then reconnect the HDD.
If it appears in File Explorer as the D or E drive, great.
If it does not, then you have to open up Disk Management.
Initialize, Format, and give it a drive letter.

After that, use as desired.

Read here for managing where things go between the two drives.
Win 7 & 8: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1834397/ssd-redirecting-static-files.html
Win 8.1 & 10: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2024314/windows-redirecting-folders-drives.html
 
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VJ_Gamer

VJ_Gamer

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Yes. It will detect the HDD.

And yes you need to disconnect the HDD. As USAFRet and cherry blossoms suggested it might install the boot partition on a second drive. So to get away from that it would be good to disconnect the HDD and reconnect once the installation is done.

Peace.
 
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markfanter1

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So I disconnected everything, finally it worked - installed on the SSD alone and then reconnected.

I allocated the space, but my only problem is that all the stuff keeps automatically going to c drive, I want them to go on D(which is my HDD).
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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