Reinstalling Windows on new build to SSD with Windows 10 already on it

[AncientToaster_X]

I always get nervous during the Windows installation stage of a new build. I recently replaced my Mobo and CPU and I still have a Samsung 250 GB SSD with a copy of Windows 10 on it, as well as a 1TB HDD I used for storage purposes. I will be installing Windows 7 to the SSD during the new build, because it's the only operating system I have a Key for. (I used that previous Win 7 to upgrade to Win 10 but I'm assuming that it's still good?)

During this stage, I always get confused. So essentially all I need to do is have my SSD plugged in during the boot sequence with the Windows 7 CD in the Optical drive, and format/install to it right? Will the installation recognize the SSD as an SSD? Also, should I even plug my HDD in at this install phase? Should I plug that in later and have it formatted once windows is up and running? I'm assuming I'll need to format it because it's currently a storage drive that had Windows 10 system files.

Sorry if these are stupid questions, this is my second build in 4 years and I am still a noob

 

[Paul NZ]

Boot from the cd install Win7 update it first if you want to upgrade it to 10

But if it's 32 bit, you'll have to disable secureboot and UEFI. Since 32 bit doesnt support it

You can connect the hdd after Windows is on the SSD, then format it if you want to

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

No the Windows 7 key is no longer valid.

Your key is your previous hardware profile before these new upgrades.

 

[AncientToaster_X]

No the Windows 7 key is no longer valid.

Your key is your previous hardware profile before these new upgrades.

Uh oh...that's problematic. And i've read that major changes to hardware, including changing the Mobo/CPU results in you having to basically buy Windows 10 again.

So now I'm basically SOL...gotta buy Win 10? Damn man.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Exactly , needs a new license.

Upgrade is only good for original setup.

Mobo/CPU = New machine.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

You pretty much have the right idea.

A fresh clean install is the preferred method.

Prior to the installation disconnect the hard disk drive from the motherboard. You can reconnect later after you are satisfied that your ssd and Windows are functioning properly. When the hard drive is reconnected you can format it.

When you first start the pc immediately access the motherboard's BIOS. I am assuming you have a fairly new motherboard with the newer UEFI Bios. First check to see if the BIOS recognizes the ssd. If it does not you'll probably have to go to another section to enable or activate the ssd. Look for a section called data storage configuration or something similar. Look for the ssd and enable or activate it. Next, select the ssd as the primary boot drive and the optical drive as the secondary boot drive. Also check to make sure it is in ACHI mode instead of IDE mode. The BIOS should already be in ACHI mode by default. Finally save the BIOS settings and proceed with the Windows installation.

During the Windows 7 installation you'll get a message that any existing data on the ssd will be lost. The reason for that is that Windows 7 will take care of initializing (formatting) the ssd. That's okay because you are doing a fresh clean install.

Good Luck!

 

[AncientToaster_X]

Exactly , needs a new license.

Upgrade is only good for original setup.

Mobo/CPU = New machine.

Not that I was questioning your response but I decided to see what Microsoft said about the whole thing.

I explained the situation to a tech support person. This person speaks heavily in Russian or something. He claims that I can still use my Windows 7 key even though I've previously used it to upgrade to Windows 10.

I have a Pro Retail version of Windows 7. All I need to do is download Windows 10 installer onto a Flash drive or DVD, install using that and use my Windows 7 key and it will work.

If I had an OEM version then I'd be screwed.

 

[pjstar30]

I see A LOT of people saying that you have to buy a new copy of windows whenever this type of question is asked but it's simply not true even for OEM copies. I have actually had no problem using the same OEM copy of Windows through multiple mobo/cpu changes. The only difference between the very first install and subsequent installs is that the first time I could automatically activate windows and all of the subsequent times I had to activate by phone which was a simple automated process. I know what the EULA says but it's simply not true.... at least in my experience.