Installing new ssd whilst my hdd is still connected

assassin5675 · Mar 24, 2018

Hi,I'm trying to install a new ssd but I was wondering if I have to disconnect the he'd because every tutorial I've seen says that you have to in order to prevent accidental data loss on that hdd, is this true? Also, can I get Windows 10 for free by just using that media creation tool And installing it on my usb to boot and install windows 10 onto my ssd?

madmatt30 · Mar 24, 2018

Re media creation tool - yes you can.

You should always disconnect other drives when inatalling win 10 to sdd.

Its not to do,with data corruption.

If you have 2 drives connected Windows has a nasty habit of installing the main os on the ssd but the boot partition on the other drive.

Meaning if that drive ever breaks or you remove it Windows will not boot.

You don't have to completely remove the drive , just disconnectect either the power or data cable.

USAFRet · Mar 24, 2018

Yes, disconnect the HDD while you do an install on the SSD.
1. It prevents the above mentioned boot partition issue
2. It prevents an accidental "oops, I selected the wrong drive" (Yes, this happens)

"Windows 10 for free"?
Well, mostly. It's not really free, you're just using it without activating it.
As such, there are a few small restrictions:
No customization of the desktop or taskbar, and a randomly appearing nag text at bottom right.

How to do a CLEAN installation of Windows 10

assassin5675 · Mar 24, 2018

But do you need a license since I'm installing it on a new drive and not a drive that previously has Windows on it. I think il just take the data cable off.

assassin5675 · Mar 24, 2018

USAFRet :

But I installed Windows 10 on my hdd that previously Windows 7 without needing a license key, by customisation of the task bar or desktop do you mean:
I can't change the background or add shortcuts to my desktop or task bar because I can do this the Windows 10 that I am on right now that doesn't have a license key.

USAFRet · Mar 24, 2018

assassin5675 :

So, you have Win 10 currently installed on the HDD in this system?
Then no, you do NOT need a license key, nor will it stay 'Unactivated'.
Assuming this system already has a valid Win 10 license and is activated...installing on a new drive does not affect that activation status.

Just install it. When it asks for the license key, skip that and proceed on.
It will activate itself when it goes online later.

Your current Win 10 install DOES have a license...actually a Digital Entitlement, because it was a valid Upgrade from the previous Win 7. It just doesn't have a traditional 'license key' like the old systems did.

What do you plan to do with the OS and data on the current HDD?
What size is this new SSD?

assassin5675 · Mar 24, 2018

USAFRet :

The Windows 10 that I installed on my hdd was on a different partition meaning I have a partition for Windows 7 and a partition for Windows 10 (which asked for a license key but I ignored it). My hdd ran out of space so I decided il just get a Kingston A400 2.5 120GB ssd. Do I need to change anything in the bios as this is what I see on some tutorials.

USAFRet · Mar 24, 2018

assassin5675 :

And now we have more info on this.

Is your current Windows 10 Activated?
This PC
Right click - Properties
At the bottom, it will say activated or not.

assassin5675 · Mar 24, 2018

USAFRet :

assassin5675 :

And now we have more info on this.

Is your current Windows 10 Activated?
This PC
Right click - Properties
At the bottom, it will say activated or not.

yes

USAFRet · Mar 24, 2018

assassin5675 :

OK then.

Disconnect ALL other drives.
Install Win 10 on the SSD.
When it asks for the license key...skip it.

After, you'll have to manage your BIOS boot order, to have the SSD first.

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Installing new ssd whilst my hdd is still connected

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