Help installing OS on new SSD as primary drive, while keeping current SSD and HDD in place

[thedilio]

Hey everyone, happy holidays and merry xmas!

I'm looking for some guidance in installing a new Samsung 850 Pro SSD (256gb) on my desktop as the primary drive, with the OS (Windows 8) reloaded on to it, and my existing 128gb SSD (which currently has the OS loaded) as a secondary drive. I also have a 2tb HDD which I want to keep in there as well.

Current setup:
HP Envy 800-089, Intel i7-4770k @ 3.50GHz, 28gb RAM
SATA0 - 128gb SSD (current)
SATA1 - 2tb HDD
SATA2 - cable is going into something, no idea what

Steps completed:
- Full backup of all my data on the 2tb drive.
- The 128gb SSD only has the OS and so nothing was backed up here.
- Recovery discs created from HP setup

Can someone please confirm if these are the steps to follow and if I'm missing anything?

1) Disconnect current SSD and HDD

2) Plug in new SSD into SATA0 port

3) Turn on computer and enter bios and set computer to boot from CD, insert recovery discs and restart computer

4) Install Windows 8 onto new SSD (will this be automated and already recognize the new SSD before I set the IDE mode to AHCI, or should I set this in BIOS before I boot from CD?)

5) After windows is installed, install Samsung Magician software and update drivers

6) Turn off computer, connect old SSD, and HDD

QUESTION:
My old SSD was initially running the OS, so should I format this now? Or should I format this before Step 1?

7) Format HDD? Or can I just plug it back in and have my data stay in place?

8) Double check BIOS to ensure that Boot order is going from new SSD > old SSD > HDD


CONCLUSION
Am I missing anything here?
Also, do I need to partition any of these drives or will that be done during Windows OS install?

Do I need to even disconnect the old SSD and HDD before re-installing Windows? The tech guy at Tiger Direct recommended disconnecting the current SSD just to be safe, but can I just keep it in place and set the drive order and setup during Windows installation?

For my old SSD, is there anything I need to tweak in the BIOS or re-install drivers for it to work?

Thank you for your guidance, I really appreciate it!

 

[spooky2th]

Load windows on the SSD without any other drive installed. Then install drivers, etc. Once your comp is running right, install magician software and the other drives. You should have access to the other drives to do whatever you want with them.

 

[thedilio]

Load windows on the SSD without any other drive installed. Then install drivers, etc. Once your comp is running right, install magician software and the other drives. You should have access to the other drives to do whatever you want with them.

Thanks for the reply Spooky!

Couple quick questions:

1) Do I need to set IDE type for SSD to AHCI before loading Windows on to it?
2) Do I need to create any partitions during install?
3) Should I format my current (old) SSD before loading windows on new SSD?

 

[spooky2th]

1) Do I need to set IDE type for SSD to AHCI before loading Windows on to it?
2) Do I need to create any partitions during install?
3) Should I format my current (old) SSD before loading windows on new SSD?


1) Go into BIOS and set it up correctly, especially making sure that it is set to AHCI mode, before you install windows.

2) Just install windows and let windows do a quick format at the beginning on win install. Windows will create a small partition plus set up the main partition for windows. You will see the advanced options.

3) No need to do anything with any of the older drives. You can format them or do whatever with them once they are installed again, after your comp is running right.