SSD upgrade .

[ginningfool97]

I'm looking to upgrade my pc for a faster startup by putting Microsoft Windows 7 on an SSD. But I've never done this before. How do I do it?

 

[dudeman509]

You can either:

A) Do a fresh install with the SSD as your new C drive.
B) Clone your existing C: drive to the SSD using software packages like Acronis or Clonezilla if you want to keep your existing programs and setup.

 

[Dasanii]

You need a copy of the operating system, then an SSD. After you have installed the SSD, put the OS cd into the drive bay or USB slot. Hit either the delete button of F11 to change the boot priority or boot directly into it. Find your CD or USB containing the OS and things should be easy from that point on unless you're working with setting up partitions. Google is your best friend

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Hey there.

The best way to do that is to make a fresh install of Windows on your SSD. First disconnect all other drives from the computer and connect the SSD. After that, go ahead and set the SATA mode to AHCI from your BIOS/UEFI. Unfortunately you'd have to consult with the motherboard's "user's manual" on how to do that as it's different for different types of BIOS/UEFI, but don't worry it's basically a couple of clicks, nothing too complicated if you follow the instructions. Once you've done that, just go ahead and install Windows as you'd normally do: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/installing-reinstalling-windows#1TC=windows-7. When the installation is completed, turn off the computer and connect your HDD. If everything's running fine, I'd recommend that you go to Disk Management and delete the old system partitions from the HDD and create a new one, just for storage.

If you don't have a Windows installation media, you'd have to migrate your OS to the SSD. Here's a tutorial on how to do that: http://lifehacker.com/5837543/how-to-migrate-to-a-solid-state-drive-without-reinstalling-windows.

Also here's a link with some useful tips on how to manage your SSD: https://www.maketecheasier.com/12-things-you-must-do-when-running-a-solid-state-drive-in-windows-7/

Hope that helps. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Boogieman_WD

 

[br00n0]

Many SSD manufacturers include a disk cloning application. It will copy your Windows drive (i.e. C: drive) to the SSD, assuming there's enough space on the SSD. Then it's a matter of switching the boot drive as the new SSD and your "old" drive becomes the secondary drive if you want to keep it.

I've successfully done that many times on Samsung, Radeon and Kingston SSD's. There are also free utils you can get to do the same thing.

And if you upgrade your Windows 7 to Windows 10 one day, having the SSD installed will greatly accelerate the process!

Have fun!