How to Transfer OS to SSD Without Losing Everything on HDD

[Daniel_miracle_]

I'm considering buying a new SSD for my computer, but I'm somewhat hesitant because I don't want to lose all of the data currently on my hard drive. Music files, documents, Steam games, etc. How would I transfer my OS (Windows 7) over to a SSD without losing everything on my hard drive?

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

Easiest thing to do is install the SSD, remove (or inplug the HDD.) install windows to SSD. Once windows is installed go ahead and replug the HDD.
You don't need to unplug the hdd, it's just a preventative measure.

 

[boju]

Computers can have multiple hdds, but there's no easy way of transferring the operating system and data, there will be headaches.

It is recommended to change the storage controller setting in the bios to AHCI mode before installing the operating system on the ssd for best performance.

You'll need to reinstall Steam on the SSD or the 2nd HDD but the games will remain either way, just direct Steam where the games were and it will reconfigure itself automatically, good thing with Steam you can do that.

Read up on SSD guides because they need to be treated differently, just a few things differently. One of the the examples is you cant use defrag on an SSD.

http://www.thessdreview.com/ssd-guides/optimization-guides/the-ssd-optimization-guide-2/

 

[Daniel_miracle_]

So I should still be able to use my games without re-installing them? Also, I use Norton Internet Security, would I be forced to purchase another "package" or would it remain on my hard drive? (Sorry about my SSD know how)

 

[Tseg]

First, if the SSD has more capacity than the content on the HDD you are in good shape. You can clone. If you buy Samsung it ships with clone software. Migrate your complete HHD to the SSD... then detach your HDD and start with you SSD, then attach the HDD and deleted your OS. Restart. Then delete everything from the SSD that you want to keep on the HDD.

If the content on your HDD is larger than the SSD things become more difficult.

 

[boju]

Any program that was installed to the old operating system previously needs to be installed again on the new operating system.

Norton should have gave you an installation cd with a serial or emailed you an activation serial. You can reinstall on the computer you got license for as many times as you want.

 

[Daniel_miracle_]

First, if the SSD has more capacity than the content on the HDD you are in good shape. You can clone. If you buy Samsung it ships with clone software. Migrate your complete HHD to the SSD... then detach your HDD and start with you SSD, then attach the HDD and deleted your OS. Restart. Then delete everything from the SSD that you want to keep on the HDD.

If the content on your HDD is larger than the SSD things become more difficult.

If I did this would I be forced to reinstall games/programs?

 

[Tseg]

First, if the SSD has more capacity than the content on the HDD you are in good shape. You can clone. If you buy Samsung it ships with clone software. Migrate your complete HHD to the SSD... then detach your HDD and start with you SSD, then attach the HDD and deleted your OS. Restart. Then delete everything from the SSD that you want to keep on the HDD.

If the content on your HDD is larger than the SSD things become more difficult.

If I did this would I be forced to reinstall games/programs?

As far as I know, no. But you may want to do more research here.

 

[Y0GI]

When I installed my 128 GB Samsung 840 Pro, I used the Samsung "Data Migration" software to copy everything from my HDD to the new SSD. It worked great and I have had zero problems with Win 7 and the SSD.

Yogi

 

[popatim]

most Steam and Origin games wont need to be reinstalled. You will just need to download Steam/Origin and point the new installations to where the games are on the HDD. Pretty much everything else will need to be reinstalled as they write to the windows registry and sometimes to the users appdata folder.

There is another option; paragon's migrate os to ssd, which does exactly what it says. Unfortunately its not free but you can often find discount coupons on the net for it.

 

[Daniel_miracle_]

most Steam and Origin games wont need to be reinstalled. You will just need to download Steam/Origin and point the new installations to where the games are on the HDD. Pretty much everything else will need to be reinstalled as they write to the windows registry and sometimes to the users appdata folder.

There is another option; paragon's migrate os to ssd, which does exactly what it says. Unfortunately its not free but you can often find discount coupons on the net for it.

If I do this I wouldn't lose my music/pictures would I? I would be alright with reinstalling iTunes, but I have too much music to download it all again.