New SSD for a hardware beginner, please help!

[Dakota Geddes-Buehre]

Hello all,

This is my first post here, and really my first PC hardware mod. I recently installed a 64 gig Corsair SSD into my HP 180-T machine, and have a couple brief questions. I installed a clean install of Windows 7 on the SSD, and have enabled AHCI in my bios.

1. When I installed the OS on the SSD, I DID NOT remove, unplug, or do anything with my HDD. When the SSD install was finished, it rebooted, and now every time I boot up I'm asked what OS I want to run, both saying Windows 7. How do I change the boot setting in the bios to make the SSD load first?

2. I loaded the W7 OS onto the SSD, but can I install programs to the HDD as well? IE a program like Chrome I'd install on the SSD, but Guild Wars 2 (MMO-20~ gigs), can I just put on the HDD and load it from there? If so, do I need to install W7 back onto the HDD?

I have read different SSD guides, but unfortunately I'm not seeing the answer I need in them. Any posts or guides could help!

 

[Kingbob]

1- You need to enter the BIOS. You should see some sort of boot order that should let you choose the SSD as the first boot option. BTW: you're very lucky your HDD is fine. You should ALWAYS unplug all other drives when installing an OS because there can be some errors that occur.

2- Yes (I'd recommend to set your default download folder (for Chrome) on your HDD so anything you download goes right to your HDD). Its not like your download speed is going to be faster than 80 MB/s! To install stuff on your HDD, just run the installer normally and when it asks you where youd like to install it (IE C:/Program Files), change the directory to the "Program Files" on your HDD instead of the default spot on your SSD (C-drive). Basically, dont instal it on your C drive.

 

[Dakota Geddes-Buehre]

Thanks a ton! I just went ahead and changed the BIOS options to boot the SSD first, and I think I'm running into one of those issues you mentioned; I was running W7 just fine, and now it's not letting me go forward unless I install Windows. In terms of unplugging the HDD, would it be just so simple as formatting the SSD and HDD, unattaching the data cable from the HDD, installing W7 on the SSD, and then replugging the HDD in and installing Windows on it?

1- You need to enter the BIOS. You should see some sort of boot order that should let you choose the SSD as the first boot option. BTW: you're very lucky your HDD is fine. You should ALWAYS unplug all other drives when installing an OS because there can be some errors that occur.

2- Yes (I'd recommend to set your default download folder (for Chrome) on your HDD so anything you download goes right to your HDD). Its not like your download speed is going to be faster than 80 MB/s! To install stuff on your HDD, just run the installer normally and when it asks you where youd like to install it (IE C:/Program Files), change the directory to the "Program Files" on your HDD instead of the default spot on your SSD (C-drive). Basically, dont instal it on your C drive.

 

[Kingbob]

Yes, it would have been very easy to avoid that by simply unplugging the HDD for the Win 7 installation on the SSD. Not sure if you can do anything about it now 🙁

 

[Dakota Geddes-Buehre]

All good, I got the time tonight 😀 W7 just installed on the HDD, so now I'm checking to see what HD is booting first and whatnot. Really appreciate your help!

Yes, it would have been very easy to avoid that by simply unplugging the HDD for the Win 7 installation on the SSD. Not sure if you can do anything about it now 🙁

 

[Kingbob]

I'm glad to be of service!