New SSD process

[ryohei]

I just bought a new SATA 3 120gb ssd for my old computer which has windows xp. I have a spare copy of Windows 7 I'm willing to use, so Im trying to figure out the quickest way to
1. install the new hard drive
2. upgrade to windows 7
3. transfer all the data to the new drive
Having all the apps would be preferable but not necessary, the data is what I'm most concerned about.

 

[blazorthon]

What new hard drive? You said that you got a new SSD and that's not a hard drive.

I'd just install Windows 7 on the SSD and copy/paste the data over (make sure that your SATA ports are set to AHCI in the BIOS). Do you have programs that can't be installed on another computer?

 

[smorizio]

the easy way is unplug the hard drive data cable so that windows 7 install cd does not see it or tuch the drive. Install windows 7 to the new ssd (make sure your sata ports set to achi mode). when windows 7 install is done power off the pc and plug the windows xp drive in. then in the bios set the ssd as first boot device. when you boot into windows 7 you have drive c and drive D: as long as the data on drive d is smaller then c just copy it over. when done moving the data to c. format the d: drive and make d the storage drive. install any programs or games that you only use once an a wile. use the smaller c for main programs and games but leave space for ssd to run trim and garbage clean up.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

This topic has been moved from the section Windows 7 to section Storage by Area51reopened

 

[ss202sl]

You said "spare copy" of Windows 7. If you are currently running windows 7 on this machine, you can use the same windows license when you install it to the SSD.

 

[ryohei]

I'm currently running windows xp on the computer, so I would need a new license i believe.