Want to buy a SSD but keep files on my original HDD

[Russ_1]

I am considering buying an SSD for my gaming pc. However i would like to install WIndows 10 on the SSD but keep my original files on the HDD. i would like to keep my files on the hard drive without formatting it. however I wouldnt mind re-installing games if i needed to. Id appreciate it if someone could help me out?

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Hey there, Russ_1.

So as I understand it, you are going to do a fresh install of Windows 10 on the SSD and your HDD has Windows 10 as well?
Although some of the games and other programs might work when you install the new OS, some conflicts may arise, because of the two different installations of Windows. The best way to do everything in my opinion is the following:
1. Backup all the personal data from the HDD
2. Connect the SSD and install Windows 10 (with the HDD disconnected during the installation process)
3. After you've installed Windows on the SSD, connect the HDD to the motherboard.
4. Repartition and reformat the whole HDD.
5. Install your games and programs on the HDD and put the backed up data back on it (if you want to).

This is the cleanest way to make sure that no conflicts and issues will arise at a later point. I'd also recommend that you check out this article on how to handle your SSD: http://www.back2gaming.com/focus-story/ssd-optimization-for-windows-8-and-8-1/

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

 

[Russ_1]

Cheers man. Just one question about repartitioning my HDD. Im not sure how to do that?

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Here's a guide on how to partition and format a drive: How to partition and format a hard drive on Windows and Mac OSX. The guide doesn't include Windows 10, but the instructions are basically the same for 8.1 and 7 as well.
Note that you should have all data backed up before you start that process. In your case the partition won't have a black border as shown on these pictures, it will be blue instead. This means that the partition has a file system. In order to be able to repartition your drive, just click with the right mouse button on the partitions of your HDD and select "delete volume". Do the same for all the partitions on your drive (this will remove all of your data as well). When it's all black you could follow the guide on how to create a new partition and format it with a specific file system (go with NTFS).

Don't hesitate to ask if I haven't explained something well enough. After all, I'm here to help.
Cheers!

 

[Russ_1]

Do I need to partition my HDD or can i just format it?

 

[Boogieman_WD]

It's up to you. Partitioning is done for convenience (e.g. if you want D: for games F: for media files, etc). You could just reformat the drive as well. Just make sure that there are no residual files from the old OS.

 

[Russ_1]

okay, cheers man

 

[Boogieman_WD]

cheers!