Need cheap option to store all data on HDD

[ZHodges10]

I recently purchased a SSD for my system with the thought of putting just my OS on said SSD, come to find out there is no easy (nor safe) method to port only the OS to the SSD from the HDD other than copying it, but the SSD is not large enough for that. What would be a cheap, relatively easy option to save all my data from my HDD? I would preferably like to keep everything, while running a clean OS on my system. I was going to try to pick out certain files and stuff and put it on a flashdrive, but that would take a long time. Thank you in advance!!

 

[JackNaylorPE]

I'm not sure I understand ... what is wrong with keeping it right where it is ?

How big is the SSD ? If it can fit windows on it, disconnect the data cable from the HD


1. Prepare for Windows installation with USB tool
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool

2. Connect boot SSD drive data cable to lowest numbered SATA port .... but don't connect:
-Ethernet cable
-SATA Data Cable for any other drives

3. Install Windows to boot drive

4. Turn off Windows ability to install Hardware drivers
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/48277-enable-disable-driver-updates-windows-update-windows-10-a.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/82137-drivers-turn-off-automatic-driver-installation.html

5. Install all hardware drivers from original media in boxes See Item 7 below

6. Connect ethernet cable and run Windows Update till it stops doing anything

7. Install latest drivers for ALL hardware from manufacturers web sites. The reason we didn't do this in step 5 is 3 fold:
-Sometimes MoBo CD comes with licensed utilities with product key embedded and these are not on web site versions
-Its advisable to establish a working out of box conditions
-Sometimes newer drivers require latest Windows Updates

If you have a 2nd drive ....

8. Shut down and connect HD data cable to 2nd lowest numbered SATA port.

9. Boot to BIOS and make sure that SSD is the 1st boot device, if not fix it

10. Boot to Windows

Now you can go about getting rid of the old Windows install on the HD and anything else you don't want anymore. To set up your programs on the new OS, just reinstall them over themselves in the existing locations on the HD. This will maintain all user customizations.

 

[ZHodges10]

So I would just have to download Windows to the SSD with the harddrive unplugged? What if I plug in the harddrive after I install the new copy of Windows to the SSD?

I'm not sure I understand ... what is wrong with keeping it right where it is ?

How big is the SSD ? If it can fit windows on it, disconnect the data cable from the HD


1. Prepare for Windows installation with USB tool
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool

2. Connect boot SSD drive data cable to lowest numbered SATA port .... but don't connect:
-Ethernet cable
-SATA Data Cable for any other drives

3. Install Windows to boot drive

4. Turn off Windows ability to install Hardware drivers
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/48277-enable-disable-driver-updates-windows-update-windows-10-a.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/82137-drivers-turn-off-automatic-driver-installation.html

5. Install all hardware drivers from original media in boxes See Item 7 below

6. Connect ethernet cable and run Windows Update till it stops doing anything

7. Install latest drivers for ALL hardware from manufacturers web sites. The reason we didn't do this in step 5 is 3 fold:
-Sometimes MoBo CD comes with licensed utilities with product key embedded and these are not on web site versions
-Its advisable to establish a working out of box conditions
-Sometimes newer drivers require latest Windows Updates

If you have a 2nd drive ....

8. Shut down and connect HD data cable to 2nd lowest numbered SATA port.

9. Boot to BIOS and make sure that SSD is the 1st boot device, if not fix it

10. Boot to Windows

Now you can go about getting rid of the old Windows install on the HD and anything else you don't want anymore. To set up your programs on the new OS, just reinstall them over themselves in the existing locations on the HD. This will maintain all user customizations.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

So I would just have to download Windows to the SSD with the harddrive unplugged?

You have many options as far as getting Windows ready to install. How did you install it the 1st time ? Do you have it on a DVD ? Do you have it on USB ?

If you don't have it, you can download it as described and use your old product key.

What if I plug in the harddrive after I install the new copy of Windows to the SSD?

That's exactly what I described. Step 8 is plugging in the old HD

 

[ZHodges10]

So I would just have to download Windows to the SSD with the harddrive unplugged?

You have many options as far as getting Windows ready to install. How did you install it the 1st time ? Do you have it on a DVD ? Do you have it on USB ?

If you don't have it, you can download it as described and use your old product key.

What if I plug in the harddrive after I install the new copy of Windows to the SSD?

That's exactly what I described. Step 8 is plugging in the old HD

I got it now, sorry for the silly questions! Thank you so much!