Install Windows 7 on an SSD quickly and efficiently.
Install Windows 7 on an SSD quickly and efficiently.
I’m preparing a fresh setup of Windows 7 on a 120g SSD with a 1tb HDD as the main storage. You’ve got a Dell PC, a boot disk, and you’re thinking about installing everything step by step. After connecting the SSD first and using the boot disk to install Windows, will it be straightforward? Then adding the second drive and adjusting settings to save data there should work. Also, can you upgrade this configuration to a brand new machine with a fresh motherboard and CPU, and just plug and play without issues?
It's straightforward, but what exactly are you asking about taking that combination to a different machine?
It's quite simple. Insert the SSD, set up Windows as usual, then add the HDD. Once the HDD is ready, refer to that or another similar guide to adjust the default storage spots for your "Library" (Documents, Pictures, Videos, etc.) so files save directly on the drive.
best approach is keep the 1tb drive disconnected (just SATA data works) and install everything. perform updates, then plug it back in and start making changes after formatting or initializing. yes, that’s straightforward. moving it to a new computer is also feasible. I’ve cloned my current Windows setup from one SSD to another and swapped the motherboard—once it’s on the new system, it will reinitialize properly. So as long as your key is valid, it should work fine.
You will still need to manually change drive when installing software you don't want to run from SSD. Easiest way to do it is to have folders named Programs Files and Program Files (x86) in each drive and change only letter on every installation process. If you want to do it the hard way or just want user files on HDD anyway (as I do), here's guide on how http://www.starkeith.net/coredump/2009/0...her-drive/
I'm applying the same approach, and it functions well, but I need to warn anyone attempting this: 1. Occasionally it may affect features or functions. On Windows 7 it's less likely (On Windows 8 it disrupts the Microsoft Store). 2. It will definitely slow down your system. Transferring just Library locations to the HDD is a better alternative. Keeping AppData folders on the SSD helps since they're frequently accessed by Windows and common programs. Moving the entire Users folder to the HDD (using junctions) reduces performance because the OS must search the slower storage whenever AppData is needed. It's still quicker than a standard HDD installation, but it will lag slightly compared to keeping the user folder on the SSD.