Prepare your Windows 8.1 hard drive for a fresh installation on your SSD.
Prepare your Windows 8.1 hard drive for a fresh installation on your SSD.
I recently bought a Sandisk 120 GB SSD and prior to installing it into my rig I wanted to format my 1 TB Western Digital hard drive and install windows 8 onto the SSD. I was just wondering how I should do this and I wanted to ask if I needed to deactivate my windows 8 key prior to installing windows 8 on the SSD and how should I do that if that is the case? Currently, I was planning on installing the windows 8 install disk and booting from it, formatting the hard drive and then selecting my SSD as the new location for the OS and finally set the SSD as the first device to boot. Would you advise this? I have considered cloning my hard drive, however I would prefer to start with a clean OS. How would you recommend I do everything above? Do not worry, this is not urgent I am still currently waiting for a 2.5" to 3.5" adapter to arrive. Through out this process I will not change hardware. The only thing that I am going to change is going to be the drive with the OS and the inclusion of a second drive. I am using a windows 8 retail edition in a custom built rig if needed I can provide specs. Your help will be greatly appreciated, Thanks in advanced, Alex p.s. sorry if I placed this in the wrong sub forum, I am new to the forums.
Hey p8arced, @Aytex provided a clear, detailed guide on the next steps. You shouldn't face any issues with your license. Some updated OS releases might ask you to reach out to MS and explain that you're reusing your system so they can issue a fresh license, though I think you probably won't need that (it's mainly needed when switching devices). Captain_WD.