SSD installation with HDD

[P00P34]

I have 2 drives, an SSD and a HDD. I'm planning on replacing my HDD with my SSD, with the SSD being the new boot drive. The thing is, am I allowed to install Windows 8 on my SSD, (SAME DISK), and boot up with the SSD, while keeping the HDD as D:/? Like for example, I'm not formatting or wiping my HDD at all. Is it possible? If it's not clear enough, I'll try to explain some more.

 

[USAFRet]

Where is the OS now?
Are both drives in the system?

 

[P00P34]

Where is the OS now?
Are both drives in the system?

Aren't you the same guy from last time? What luck. Anyway, I'm preparing to install my SSD without formatting my HDD at all. So pretty much, install OS onto SSD, and then plug both drives in, and boot from SSD. I was told by a friend that the OS's won't overlap, and the HDD will only hold files that are NOT systematic, such as Steam or Skype, pretty much I can just install the OS onto the SSD, leave the HDD alone, then later plug both in, and the HDD will just act as D:/. As of now, the SSD, like I said, is being prepared for installation, meaning I was on the process of plugging it in, but I figured I'd get this question answered first.

 

[USAFRet]

Yes. Install the OS on the SSD with only the SSD connected.
After it is all working, reconnect the HDD.
Preferably, you then completely wipe the HDD completely.
Then use it as needed.
It will be just another drive letter.

 

[P00P34]

Yes. Install the OS on the SSD with only the SSD connected.
After it is all working, reconnect the HDD.
Preferably, you then completely wipe the HDD completely.
Then use it as needed.
It will be just another drive letter.

Is there a better reason to wipe the drive rather than just leaving it?

 

[honkuimushi]

If Windows is installed on the SSD, you're wasting all the space Windows takes up on the HDD. There shouldn't be any conflicts, but just to be safe, I like to just have 1 copy of Windows installed. Finally, by formatting it, you get rid of any file fragmentation. You can back up the files to the cloud or an external hard drive, depending on how much space the files you want take up.

 

[P00P34]

If Windows is installed on the SSD, you're wasting all the space Windows takes up on the HDD. There shouldn't be any conflicts, but just to be safe, I like to just have 1 copy of Windows installed. Finally, by formatting it, you get rid of any file fragmentation. You can back up the files to the cloud or an external hard drive, depending on how much space the files you want take up.

I understand the Windows eating up space part, but like, are you sure any risk is even apparent at all? Last I was told, since the HDD's just being filled with dead files from Windows, so they won't do anything, that they have to manually executed, or else they won't execute by themselves. Main reason I'm avoiding formatting is because I'm trying to keep the files, non systematic, and if I do plan on formatting, the only thing I will be formatting is Windows, pretty much meaning, nuking the entire drive. I don't plan on doing that.

 

[USAFRet]

Yes. Install the OS on the SSD with only the SSD connected.
After it is all working, reconnect the HDD.
Preferably, you then completely wipe the HDD completely.
Then use it as needed.
It will be just another drive letter.

Is there a better reason to wipe the drive rather than just leaving it?

Wasted space, and potential troubleshooting confusion later. Yes, I've seen that confusion: "Oops...I still had the old OS on the other drive, and that is what I was looking at"...stuff like that.
Also, you have to be very careful on your future installation locations, and BIOS boot order.

You applications will have to be reinstalled anyway (new OS). Steam/Origin games can be moved elsewhere during the wipe, and then moved back as needed.
Much better to start with a completely clean drive.

 

[P00P34]

Yes. Install the OS on the SSD with only the SSD connected.
After it is all working, reconnect the HDD.
Preferably, you then completely wipe the HDD completely.
Then use it as needed.
It will be just another drive letter.

Is there a better reason to wipe the drive rather than just leaving it?

Wasted space, and potential troubleshooting confusion later. Yes, I've seen that confusion: "Oops...I still had the old OS on the other drive, and that is what I was looking at"...stuff like that.
Also, you have to be very careful on your future installation locations, and BIOS boot order.

You applications will have to be reinstalled anyway (new OS). Steam/Origin games can be moved elsewhere during the wipe, and then moved back as needed.
Much better to start with a completely clean drive.

What do you mean by "troubleshooting confusion"? Like, can you give me a real life example, cause it sort of confuses me. So, the old files on my HDD will have to reinstalled either way?

 

[USAFRet]

Any application from the old OS WILL need to be reinstalled. You can't use them in that location. The new OS does not know anything about them.

Troubleshooting confusion? Looking in Windows Explorer, accidentally select the wrong drive (the HDD 'D' drive)..."Well, my Windows says it is such and such size, but this other thing is telling me Windows is taking up way more space"
Or
Accidentally installing something to "D/Program Files" instead of C. It would still work, but confusing.
Yes, this happens.

Unless a complete dualboot on 2 drives or partitions, no reason to keep that old Windows install around. Just taking up space.


But yes...you need to reinstall all your current applications.

 

[P00P34]

Any application from the old OS WILL need to be reinstalled. You can't use them in that location. The new OS does not know anything about them.

Troubleshooting confusion? Looking in Windows Explorer, accidentally select the wrong drive (the HDD 'D' drive)..."Well, my Windows says it is such and such size, but this other thing is telling me Windows is taking up way more space"
Or
Accidentally installing something to "D/Program Files" instead of C. It would still work, but confusing.
Yes, this happens.

Unless a complete dualboot on 2 drives or partitions, no reason to keep that old Windows install around. Just taking up space.


But yes...you need to reinstall all your current applications.

So pretty much, if I don't format it now, I'll still have to format it later.

 

[USAFRet]

Any application from the old OS WILL need to be reinstalled. You can't use them in that location. The new OS does not know anything about them.

Troubleshooting confusion? Looking in Windows Explorer, accidentally select the wrong drive (the HDD 'D' drive)..."Well, my Windows says it is such and such size, but this other thing is telling me Windows is taking up way more space"
Or
Accidentally installing something to "D/Program Files" instead of C. It would still work, but confusing.
Yes, this happens.

Unless a complete dualboot on 2 drives or partitions, no reason to keep that old Windows install around. Just taking up space.


But yes...you need to reinstall all your current applications.

So pretty much, if I don't format it now, I'll still have to format it later.

Yes.
And not just 'format' but actually delete the partitions in Disk Management
Remember...the old boot partition still exists on that drive.
Not used, but still exists. A simple "Format D" doesn't get rid of that.

 

[P00P34]

Any application from the old OS WILL need to be reinstalled. You can't use them in that location. The new OS does not know anything about them.

Troubleshooting confusion? Looking in Windows Explorer, accidentally select the wrong drive (the HDD 'D' drive)..."Well, my Windows says it is such and such size, but this other thing is telling me Windows is taking up way more space"
Or
Accidentally installing something to "D/Program Files" instead of C. It would still work, but confusing.
Yes, this happens.

Unless a complete dualboot on 2 drives or partitions, no reason to keep that old Windows install around. Just taking up space.


But yes...you need to reinstall all your current applications.

So pretty much, if I don't format it now, I'll still have to format it later.

Yes.
And not just 'format' but actually delete the partitions in Disk Management
Remember...the old boot partition still exists on that drive.
Not used, but still exists. A simple "Format D" doesn't get rid of that.

So pretty much, after booting my new SSD, I should format it and delete all partitions right away? Since my HDD will be listed as D:/ anyway.

 

[USAFRet]

Any application from the old OS WILL need to be reinstalled. You can't use them in that location. The new OS does not know anything about them.

Troubleshooting confusion? Looking in Windows Explorer, accidentally select the wrong drive (the HDD 'D' drive)..."Well, my Windows says it is such and such size, but this other thing is telling me Windows is taking up way more space"
Or
Accidentally installing something to "D/Program Files" instead of C. It would still work, but confusing.
Yes, this happens.

Unless a complete dualboot on 2 drives or partitions, no reason to keep that old Windows install around. Just taking up space.


But yes...you need to reinstall all your current applications.

So pretty much, if I don't format it now, I'll still have to format it later.

Yes.
And not just 'format' but actually delete the partitions in Disk Management
Remember...the old boot partition still exists on that drive.
Not used, but still exists. A simple "Format D" doesn't get rid of that.

So pretty much, after booting my new SSD, I should format it and delete all partitions right away? Since my HDD will be listed as D:/ anyway.

Doesn't have to be 'right away'. But before you really start using it and installing things to it.

 

[P00P34]

Any application from the old OS WILL need to be reinstalled. You can't use them in that location. The new OS does not know anything about them.

Troubleshooting confusion? Looking in Windows Explorer, accidentally select the wrong drive (the HDD 'D' drive)..."Well, my Windows says it is such and such size, but this other thing is telling me Windows is taking up way more space"
Or
Accidentally installing something to "D/Program Files" instead of C. It would still work, but confusing.
Yes, this happens.

Unless a complete dualboot on 2 drives or partitions, no reason to keep that old Windows install around. Just taking up space.


But yes...you need to reinstall all your current applications.

So pretty much, if I don't format it now, I'll still have to format it later.

Yes.
And not just 'format' but actually delete the partitions in Disk Management
Remember...the old boot partition still exists on that drive.
Not used, but still exists. A simple "Format D" doesn't get rid of that.

So pretty much, after booting my new SSD, I should format it and delete all partitions right away? Since my HDD will be listed as D:/ anyway.

Doesn't have to be 'right away'. But before you really start using it and installing things to it.

So pretty much just format the HDD before I plan on interacting with it? And formatting should take place AFTER the SSD gets the OS installed?

 

[USAFRet]

Any application from the old OS WILL need to be reinstalled. You can't use them in that location. The new OS does not know anything about them.

Troubleshooting confusion? Looking in Windows Explorer, accidentally select the wrong drive (the HDD 'D' drive)..."Well, my Windows says it is such and such size, but this other thing is telling me Windows is taking up way more space"
Or
Accidentally installing something to "D/Program Files" instead of C. It would still work, but confusing.
Yes, this happens.

Unless a complete dualboot on 2 drives or partitions, no reason to keep that old Windows install around. Just taking up space.


But yes...you need to reinstall all your current applications.

So pretty much, if I don't format it now, I'll still have to format it later.

Yes.
And not just 'format' but actually delete the partitions in Disk Management
Remember...the old boot partition still exists on that drive.
Not used, but still exists. A simple "Format D" doesn't get rid of that.

So pretty much, after booting my new SSD, I should format it and delete all partitions right away? Since my HDD will be listed as D:/ anyway.

Doesn't have to be 'right away'. But before you really start using it and installing things to it.

So pretty much just format the HDD before I plan on interacting with it? And formatting should take place AFTER the SSD gets the OS installed?

Correct.

 

[P00P34]

Any application from the old OS WILL need to be reinstalled. You can't use them in that location. The new OS does not know anything about them.

Troubleshooting confusion? Looking in Windows Explorer, accidentally select the wrong drive (the HDD 'D' drive)..."Well, my Windows says it is such and such size, but this other thing is telling me Windows is taking up way more space"
Or
Accidentally installing something to "D/Program Files" instead of C. It would still work, but confusing.
Yes, this happens.

Unless a complete dualboot on 2 drives or partitions, no reason to keep that old Windows install around. Just taking up space.


But yes...you need to reinstall all your current applications.

So pretty much, if I don't format it now, I'll still have to format it later.

Yes.
And not just 'format' but actually delete the partitions in Disk Management
Remember...the old boot partition still exists on that drive.
Not used, but still exists. A simple "Format D" doesn't get rid of that.

So pretty much, after booting my new SSD, I should format it and delete all partitions right away? Since my HDD will be listed as D:/ anyway.

Doesn't have to be 'right away'. But before you really start using it and installing things to it.

So pretty much just format the HDD before I plan on interacting with it? And formatting should take place AFTER the SSD gets the OS installed?

Correct.

So like, I just right the drive and click format? What do I do from there? Just completely wipe it?

 

[USAFRet]

Open up Disk Management.
In the bottom pane, you will see whatever drives are in the system

The HDD will have several partitions
Right click on each one, Delete
Eventually, you'll have one large space.
Make that into a new partition
Give it a drive letter an Format

Be absolutely sure you are selecting the correct drive.

 

[P00P34]

Open up Disk Management.
In the bottom pane, you will see whatever drives are in the system

The HDD will have several partitions
Right click on each one, Delete
Eventually, you'll have one large space.
Make that into a new partition
Give it a drive letter an Format

Be absolutely sure you are selecting the correct drive.

Wouldn't it just be D:/?

 

[USAFRet]

Open up Disk Management.
In the bottom pane, you will see whatever drives are in the system

The HDD will have several partitions
Right click on each one, Delete
Eventually, you'll have one large space.
Make that into a new partition
Give it a drive letter an Format

Be absolutely sure you are selecting the correct drive.

Wouldn't it just be D:/?

Probably, but I've seen people make mistakes.
And it might be something other than D. Might be E, if you also have a DVD drive in it.

 

[P00P34]

Open up Disk Management.
In the bottom pane, you will see whatever drives are in the system

The HDD will have several partitions
Right click on each one, Delete
Eventually, you'll have one large space.
Make that into a new partition
Give it a drive letter an Format

Be absolutely sure you are selecting the correct drive.

Wouldn't it just be D:/?

Probably, but I've seen people make mistakes.
And it might be something other than D. Might be E, if you also have a DVD drive in it.

Then how would I know it's the correct drive? Also, after turning off my PC, I can just unplug the HDD to install the SSD, correct? No need to do anything fancy?

 

[USAFRet]

You tell if it is the correct drive by looking at its parameters.
If you have a 250GB SSD, and a 1TB HDD...look at the actual drive size.
The 1TB (or actually 931GB) is the old HDD.

And yes...just unplug the SATA data cable is all you need to do while installing the OS on the SSD.

 

[P00P34]

You tell if it is the correct drive by looking at its parameters.
If you have a 250GB SSD, and a 1TB HDD...look at the actual drive size.
The 1TB (or actually 931GB) is the old HDD.

And yes...just unplug the SATA data cable is all you need to do while installing the OS on the SSD.

So in order to wipe the entire drive, just delete all current partitions, then create a new one and name it D:/?

 

[USAFRet]

You tell if it is the correct drive by looking at its parameters.
If you have a 250GB SSD, and a 1TB HDD...look at the actual drive size.
The 1TB (or actually 931GB) is the old HDD.

And yes...just unplug the SATA data cable is all you need to do while installing the OS on the SSD.

So in order to wipe the entire drive, just delete all current partitions, then create a new one and name it D:/?

Yes.
As long as D is not used by any other drive, like a DVD.
On my system, the first applicable drive letter is F, due to the physical DVD being E, and a virtual CD drive being D.
When you tell it what drive letter, it will only show those that are not already used.

 

[P00P34]

You tell if it is the correct drive by looking at its parameters.
If you have a 250GB SSD, and a 1TB HDD...look at the actual drive size.
The 1TB (or actually 931GB) is the old HDD.

And yes...just unplug the SATA data cable is all you need to do while installing the OS on the SSD.

So in order to wipe the entire drive, just delete all current partitions, then create a new one and name it D:/?

Yes.
As long as D is not used by any other drive, like a DVD.
On my system, the first applicable drive letter is F, due to the physical DVD being E, and a virtual CD drive being D.
When you tell it what drive letter, it will only show those that are not already used.

Alright thanks. I'm gonna start my SSD process now 😀