R_1 :
yes. the BIOS-Basic Input/Output System will have a perferred order of boot, like first removable, second DVD, third hard drive/SSD
when you remove the hard drive, which is currently set as first device, the SSD should take its place after windows install. I prefer to make sure.
when you plug in both drives, the HDD may take the place it had, first device, and you will be booting to the HDD instead of the SSD, you will want to verify that the SSD is set as the first device in the BIOS to ensure you are loading from the right drive.
THis is what I understand so far...please tell me if i am correct.
Buy USB Storage device, download ISO, Download USB tool, follow instructions to put ISO onto USB.
Restart PC, go into BIOS set Boot order to boot usb drives before HDD
Shut off PC, unplug HDD, Install SDD, plug in USB device to front of my PC
Turn on PC, it should load according to my boot order.
Follow instructions when windows Installation pops up.
Delete all Partitions, make new partition, format it, and click next to install windows.
Does this sound right for how I would completely reinstall windows 8.1 onto a new SSD drive?