The SSD is failing and requires a complete system setup.
The SSD is failing and requires a complete system setup.
My SSD appears to be malfunctioning. I’m encountering BSOD errors, files failing to save after a restart, and the PC resetting changes each time it restarts. The secondary HDD is functioning properly, storing files correctly. What’s the most effective solution? I was considering creating a bootable USB, removing the SSD, and installing Windows from there. Could I install Windows on the HDD without re-formatting? Is this the optimal approach? Are there any additional considerations I should keep in mind?
Check if changing the HDD cord to the SSD slot is necessary after removing the SSD, or if it's acceptable to keep it in its current position.
No. However, if you're using Windows 10, it's advisable to upgrade to a new SATA SSD. HDD performance might be slow, and you wouldn't need to format the drive. How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial If you're seeking a Windows 11 clean install guide, you can locate it here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here). Alternatively, welcome to the Windows 10 clean install tutorial. This guide will walk you through each step of a clean installation of Windows... forums.
One more thing. When installing Windows from USB, remember to unplug/disconnect all hard disks and SSDs,
apart from the drive you're using
for the fresh installation of Windows.
If you leave several drives attached, you might end up with Windows split over two drives, especially when cloning, e.g. boot sector on one disk, main OS on another disk. There's also the chance you might wipe the wrong drive (data) if it's still connected, when installing Windows.
Even a super cheap 250GB or 500GB SATA SSD is better than booting Windows from a hard disk. I still have Windows 10 booting from 120GB SATA SSDs on a few old PCs.