Installing both SSD and existing HDD running XP, and upgrading to windows 10

[wyckedscepter]

Hey Guys, there a number of guides out there, but having trouble pinning down to the best step by step process, wondering if someone could help out and give me a concrete list of steps.

I have my older machine that I want to give a boost to, and then build a new system in 6 - 12 months. Computer is an HP with 8 gm ram, intel 2.80hz dual core processer (intel pentium E6300), asus IPIBL-LB (Benicia), western digital black 1 tb hd, AMD Radeon HD 6670 gpu.

I am running windows xp vista sp2, and just bought a kingston 120 gb v300 ssd, with the adapter package.

I have backed up all my files to a western digital my book.

I would like to install my ssd as the primary boot drive, wipe my existing 1 tb drive (is cluttered, etc.), and install windows 10 (i bought the windows 10 home edition with boot usb).

I think the best way to do would be to connect / install my ssd, and check to make sure that it is working, properly installed, and then follow the process below:

Disconnect my mechanical drive, connect my ssd, and then put the windows 10 usb stick in, install windows 10 to the ssd as my primary drive, then re-connect my mechanical drive, wipe it clean (all my data and files are backed up to external 2tb drive), and then continue to install my applications to ssd.

Comments, thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[glamdringfh]

Hi wyckedscepter,

Yes, you have the correct steps in mind for replacing your drive. Glad you've backed up before hand, many people forget that part.

Good luck switching over!

Edit: Don't forget to try and manage any electro-static discharges by either using an ESD wrist connector or constantly (as much as possible anyway) keeping contact with the metal part of your PC case.

 

[wyckedscepter]

Hi wyckedscepter,

Yes, you have the correct steps in mind for replacing your drive. Glad you've backed up before hand, many people forget that part.

Good luck switching over!

Edit: Don't forget to try and manage any electro-static discharges by either using an ESD wrist connector or constantly (as much as possible anyway) keeping contact with the metal part of your PC case.

Great, thanks, one last question, do I need to switch my BIOS, or will fresh installation of windows automatically detect settings

 

[glamdringfh]

You should be fine without changing the boot order in your BIOS because your mechanical HD won't be attached while you install your new SSD.

IF for whatever reason your motherboard makes the old HDD a priority after you re-attach it, however, it would be a very simple fix of going into your BIOS and making sure that your new SSD drive has priority over the old HDD in the 'boot' or 'boot order' section.

 

[wyckedscepter]

You should be fine without changing the boot order in your BIOS because your mechanical HD won't be attached while you install your new SSD.

IF for whatever reason your motherboard makes the old HDD a priority after you re-attach it, however, it would be a very simple fix of going into your BIOS and making sure that your new SSD drive has priority over the old HDD in the 'boot' or 'boot order' section.

Thanks so much, chose as best solution