Transitioning to Windows 8 and a SSD

[JARVIHS]

So I just got an ADATA 128 GB SSD, and have a key for windows 8. My computer is currently running on a 1TB HDD with Windows 7 installed. My plan was to use the SSD for Windows 8, and then keep everything else (games, etc) on my HDD. I want to know how I would go about doing that.

 

[Jake Wenta]

Simple, if you don't have a disc then you'll have to do a little more.
But I like to unhook all HDD and SSD that will not be used just to prevent installation on a different Disk by mistake.
Then insert the Disc and follow the steps.
But if you only have a key, you have to go to Microsoft's site and download the installer. Launch it, follow the steps-I believe it asks for your key. It will go onto your USB flash drive and you install with it-I believe 8GB is what is required, but I haven't done it via USB-so I can't tell you exactly.
You just keep your USB connected, go into your BIOS and launch via USB drive-(Set the boot order) depends on motherboard.

Do note that you can't unplug the Win7 HDD if upgrading, because it needs it to recognize an older windows to upgrade from.

 

[photonboy]

PRINT ME!!

Here's the main steps as well:

This is a fresh install of Windows 8 (recommended). We won't touch the hard drive in case you need to boot to it again because you forgot something (likely) such as exporting e-mail or your browser favorites.

0. Write down the names of programs to reinstall, export any data etc.
1. Verify the BIOS for SATA is set to AHCI
2. Hook up the SSD (use the fastest SATA connection such as Intel 6gbps)
3. Unhook the HDD (both cables)
4. Install Windows 8.
5. Update the firmware (or do that PRIOR to the install when it's a 2nd drive)
6. Apply overprovisioning (Google that. Don't know if your SSD has a tool for that)
7. Install the Main Chipset driver (see motherboard or laptop support site)
8. Install remaining drivers/software for motherboard/laptop including audio, video
9. Install and configure FAN CONTROL software (for motherboards)
10. Finish Microsoft updates
11. Update to 8.1 from the STORE site on main page (unless you had W8.1)
12. Shut down and hook up HDD
13. Go into the BIOS and make sure the SSD is the first boot device
14. Boot to Windows and copy back any data needed.
15. FORMAT the hard drive
16. Install STEAM to the hard drive (i.e. "E:\STEAM"), other Games (i.e. "E:\Games") and make folders for "Media", "Downloads" and "Backups"

17. ACTIVATE Windows (2nd last).
18. Use Windows Backup or whatever it's called, or better yet Acronis True Image to make a backup of the entire C-drive (your SSD) to the HDD and put it in the Backups folder (can get FREE version of ATI for WD or Seagate drives)