Instructions on switching to a SSD and booting windows from it?
2 replies, posted
Considering adding a SSD to my computer and then using it to boot my OS for me. Currently just have a "977GB SAMSUNG SAMSUNG HD103SJ ATA Device (SATA)" in my computer. Best way to go about this? Thanks.
Whenever I do this I just do a fresh OS in install on the new disk and move the files if necessary. I don't bother migrating the entire OS to the new disk because I always have lots of junk that an OS re-install will clear up.
If you're installing a fresh new OS, plug the new SSD drive into the SATA port used by your old drive, pop the OS installation DVD into the drive, restart and follow the on-screen instructions from there. Make sure you've got the serial key written down on paper in advance.
Personally I recommend a clean install of Windows on the SSD and setting up the other HDD for less frequently used programs and general file storage. To set it up correctly you can follow these guides depending on your OS.
[url=http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/124198-user-profiles-create-move-during-windows-7-installation.html]For windows 7 you can follow this guide.[/url]
I can't seem to find any accurate guides for Vista [url=http://www.overclock.net/t/1245721/guide-how-to-move-your-windows-vista-7-user-profile-to-another-drive-ssd-or-hdd]so this might do.[/url]
It really does depend on your version of Windows though. Windows 7 and above has full support for SSD's and will install itself correctly without any complications. I do not recommend Windows XP or Vista since it does not have TRIM support and could affect the lifespan of your SSD. Windows XP will also not align the primary partition correctly so you will have to manually do that prior to installation. Basically you can work around Windows XP and Vista with a SSD but it will be a slight headache.
Having detailed information of your computer can help.
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