New SSD boot up questions

[cvasq008]

Just got a new SSD and would just to have my PC boot up from the SSD is it possible to just transfer the boot up to the SSD and keep all other files on my regular hard drive and not have to re install everything.

Update:
256GB SSD 1TB Harddrive. The existing HD is about 2/3 full.

 

[USAFRet]

Disclaimer:
I almost always recommend a clean install on the new SSD

To your question - Maybe.
How large is the new SSD?
How much used space do you have on the existing HDD?
What OS?
How old is the OS install?

 

[ronintexas]

Most SSD drives will come with migration software (Samsung has a good program for migrating your hard drive). This would be the best chance to transfer data without reinstalling everything.

They do have disk image software to do this - but it may cost you a few extra bucks to purchase them.

 

[ronintexas]

Even with the migration software (or disk imaging software), there can be problems in doing it. I have found through my experience that a fresh loading of the OS is the best solution for long term performance and reliability.

 

[cvasq008]

Disclaimer:
I almost always recommend a clean install on the new SSD

To your question - Maybe.
How large is the new SSD?
How much used space do you have on the existing HDD?
What OS?
How old is the OS install?

256GB SSD 1TB Harddrive. The existing HD is about 2/3 full. And the OS install i about 3ish years old

 

[ronintexas]

I always recommend making a backup of the hard drive first before installing anything.....

I would recommend a fresh install - and I would do it with the hard drive unplugged. After Windows is loaded with all the updates, plug in the hard drive. Change the documents, pictures, videos and music to point to the hard drive.

Leave the Windows folders and everything intact just in case you want to go back to the HDD for a while....eventually you can remove the Windows folders.

 

[USAFRet]

Disclaimer:
I almost always recommend a clean install on the new SSD

To your question - Maybe.
How large is the new SSD?
How much used space do you have on the existing HDD?
What OS?
How old is the OS install?

256GB SSD 1TB Harddrive. The existing HD is about 2/3 full. And the OS install i about 3ish years old

A clean install is best and easiest.
Install with only the SSD connected.

 

[cvasq008]

Disclaimer:
I almost always recommend a clean install on the new SSD

To your question - Maybe.
How large is the new SSD?
How much used space do you have on the existing HDD?
What OS?
How old is the OS install?

256GB SSD 1TB Harddrive. The existing HD is about 2/3 full. And the OS install i about 3ish years old

A clean install is best and easiest.
Install with only the SSD connected.

Well second issue then no install disk or serial keys they didn't come with the PC

 

[ronintexas]

You need a product key - it could be a sticker on the PC, or it may be a slip of paper with the key on it. If you don't have it....you will have to buy it to install from scratch.

 

[cvasq008]

You need a product key - it could be a sticker on the PC, or it may be a slip of paper with the key on it. If you don't have it....you will have to buy it to install from scratch.

Will i need a boot disk or can i download the iso to a thumb drive?

 

[USAFRet]

You need a product key - it could be a sticker on the PC, or it may be a slip of paper with the key on it. If you don't have it....you will have to buy it to install from scratch.

Will i need a boot disk or can i download the iso to a thumb drive?

What OS are we speaking of? If Win 7, you can download the official ISO here:
http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads.12325/

If preinstalled, the license key should be printed on the case. If something you bought, you should have the key somewhere.

 

[cvasq008]

You need a product key - it could be a sticker on the PC, or it may be a slip of paper with the key on it. If you don't have it....you will have to buy it to install from scratch.

Will i need a boot disk or can i download the iso to a thumb drive?

What OS are we speaking of? If Win 7, you can download the official ISO here:
http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads.12325/

If preinstalled, the license key should be printed on the case. If something you bought, you should have the key somewhere.

The key was on the underside and can i reinstall from an iso file on a thumb drive?

 

[USAFRet]

The key was on the underside and can i reinstall from an iso file on a thumb drive?

From this:
Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool