Trying to add new ssd and os to existing system with os on hd

[Djplus1]

So I just built a new rig which includes a Samsung 840 pro ssd. I intend on using it with windows 7 pro. Now here's my problem, I plan on using a second drive for storage, a 1 tb caviar black, which I'm bringing over from my previous rig. This used to be my main drive and it currently has XP on it.

How do I erase my caviar or install 7 first on my ssd. Currently the computer is built, but I haven't gone in the bios yet. Will the computer let me install 7 on the ssd first and then let me format the caviar or do I need to disconnect the caviar so the computer doesn't see it when the process begins?

 

[warhead0]

Simple.

Disconnect all the HDD's and only leave the SSD connected, this way when you install windows you can't get anything mixed up.

Now insert the windows dvd and install windows as if you normally would, just select the SSD as the drive you want to setup on.

Simple as that.

Once you reconnect the HDD's you may have to choose between which drive to boot from until you format the hdd so it no longer has a windows install.

 

[spawnkiller]

Simple.

Disconnect all the HDD's and only leave the SSD connected, this way when you install windows you can't get anything mixed up.

Now insert the windows dvd and install windows as if you normally would, just select the SSD as the drive you want to setup on.

Simple as that.

Once you reconnect the HDD's you may have to choose between which drive to boot from until you format the hdd so it no longer has a windows install.

+1 exactly what you need to do, then replug your HDD and make sure to boot of your SSD and you'll be able to see your data in the windows explorer (you can then delete all windows files on your HDD and keep your pics,videos, music, etc...)

 

[Djplus1]

Thanks people! I was hoping someone could clear that up for me without me screwing it up first. I will give it a try in a sec.

 

[RetiredChief]

NOTE: I did not catch in above post, BEFORE installing OS to SSD enter Bios and verify that HDD controller is set to AHCI, not IDE.
If set to IDE change to AHCI!!! And as others have pointed out do install to SSD with ALL other HDDs disconnected. Reconnect the other HDDs after install is completed on SSD.

If you installed OS before doing this and Bios was set to IDE, YOU will be back to ask WHY is my performance so bad.
If You did install with Bios set to IDE, do either "Fix it for me" or let me fix it myself"
From Link: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922976

 

[spawnkiller]

if you forgot, you can still change it when windows is installed...

Instructions: There is one way to fix this, although you need to have knowledge of registry editing.
The detailed steps from Microsoft website are as follows:

Exit all Windows-based programs.
Press [Win] + R or take the RUN option from the start menu.
Now type regedit there and press Enter Key to open up the Registry Editor Window.
If you receive the User Account Control dialog box, click Continue.
Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\msahci
In the right pane, right-click Start in the Name column, and then click Modify.

In the Value data box, type 0 [3 is default], and then click OK.

On the File menu, click Exit to close Registry Editor.
Restart your computer
Go to BIOS and enable AHCI, Save & Reboot
Another restart will be required to finish the driver installation.