Want to install SSD + Win 7 on it, but don't want to format HDD

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tokotigerjosh

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Nov 3, 2017
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I recently purchased a Samsung 850 EVO 500GB SSD so that I could upgrade from Vista to 7 right away. However, I do not want to format my current 1TB HDD.

Is there a way I can install the SSD and Win 7 without losing all of my data (media/files)? I don't want to format the hard drive, I merely want to upgrade my OS and make the SSD the boot drive for all my programs. I'm okay with uninstalling all my programs and reinstalling them on the SSD, but I'm just worried about losing all my stuff.

I don't currently have any method of backing up my files on the HDD. So I'd like to know how to go about doing this.
 
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Budge414
It would be a good idea to uninstall all apps/programs with the Control Panel tool before you make the change. If you don't you'll need to remove the individual program files manually later. Re-install all the programs you need on the clean install to keep it as clean as possible.

Disk Cleanup should get rid of everything that is OS related later, at least anything of any significance space-wise.
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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As with any fresh OS install, have only the target drive connected during this process.

So...
Disconnect the original HDD.
Connect the new SSD
Install.

Nothing on the old HDD will be touched.
You will, of course, need to reinstall all your applications with this new OS.

Also, you have obtained a valid Win 7 license, and not just an Upgrade From Vista thing?
 
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bignastyid

bignastyid

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When you install the SSD unplug the sata cable to the HDD, then install win 7. After the install is complete shutdown and plug the hdd back it. When you turn it back on go into the bios and make sure the SSD is set higher in the boot order than the hdd. This will leave all the data on the hdd intact.
 
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Budge414

Budge414

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There's no way a clean Windows install on your new SSD will affect any files on your current HDD. Make sure that the SSD is selected as the Primary boot drive in your BIOS - this should be the first thing you do after you connect the SSD.

If you're worried, you could always disconnect the HDD throughout the install process and then reconnect it once you're up and running.

I would recommend running Disk Cleanup on that HDD to cleanup the old Windows files that will be leftover after you setup the SSD.

Enjoy your upgrade!
 
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tokotigerjosh

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Nov 3, 2017
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Alright, thanks for the answer everyone.

Just for clarification: once I have Win 7 running on my SSD, and I plug my HDD back in so both drives are online simultaneously, will I have a bunch of inert program files (like executables and stuff) on the HDD that can't be run from Windows 7? Does Disk Cleanup get rid of these inert program files or do I have to do it manually?

I'm just wondering if perhaps I should uninstall everything right now so that I have more space available on the HDD when I make the move.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Ideally, you move everything off that HDD that you wish to keep, and wipe the entire drive.
Then, use it as desired.
 
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Budge414

Budge414

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It would be a good idea to uninstall all apps/programs with the Control Panel tool before you make the change. If you don't you'll need to remove the individual program files manually later. Re-install all the programs you need on the clean install to keep it as clean as possible.

Disk Cleanup should get rid of everything that is OS related later, at least anything of any significance space-wise.
 
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