I believe a simple SSD question

[dr0be]

I read through the stickied SSD post, as well as googling a bit, but couldn't find an answer to my question. I plan on getting a Crucial M4 SSD, as well as using my 500GB WD HDD for data/programs. If I format them both and install Win7 on the SSD, do I just leave the HDD alone and Win7 will recognize it as an extra Disk Drive where I can set program directories? Or do I have to install Win7 or something on the HDD as well?

My guess is Win7 just recognizes the HDD as a blank drive? Only reason I ask is because I was on my girlfriend's Dad's computer (same SSD/HDD setup) and his HDD directory had a windows folder in it. I asked if it was dual booted - he said no and wasn't sure about my question above.

 

[Modular]

You will need to install W7 on the SSD, then when everything is updated you can go into Disk Manager and format/enable the storage drive. Be sure to check out http://www.overclock.net/ssd/700470-tutorials-real-world-windows-7-ssd.html for some optimizations once you get the SSD up and running.

As to your GF's dad; it could very well be that he doesn't actually have the SSD set as his boot drive...

Enjoy!

 

[LokutusofBorg]

For my setup, when I install programs I let them install to their default location on the OS drive. But when I install games, I change the install directory to D:\Games\Whatever. Any installer that asks you to confirm the install folder allows you to change it to whatever drive/folder you want.

If you don't also use the Windows installer to format your old drive, then you'll need to make sure your BIOS boot order doesn't try to boot your old drive instead of the new SSD. With Windows on both drives, you have to explicitly tell your BIOS which one should come first. Once you've booted from the SSD, then you can use Disk Management to format your old drive or whatever.

And umm... skip all the SSD "optimization" stuff. You don't need it. Just use the Windows 7 installer to partition and format your new SSD and you're golden.

As to your GF's dad's computer - there's a good chance that whoever upgraded the computer just installed Windows on the new SSD then plugged his old drive back in and didn't format it. Computer stores do this all the time so you don't lose any of your old data.

 

[dr0be]

there's a good chance that whoever upgraded the computer just installed Windows on the new SSD then plugged his old drive back in and didn't format it. Computer stores do this all the time so you don't lose any of your old data.

If I were to completely format the HDD, what would be the install order for SSD?

1) plug in ssd
2) install windows7 onto SSD
3) format HDD
4) ???

Do I have to do anything to the HDD? Or once I format and it's blank then it is good to go and I can just install stuff and choose the blank HDD as the directory?

 

[nitromullet]

If I were to completely format the HDD, what would be the install order for SSD?

1) plug in ssd
2) install windows7 onto SSD
3) format HDD
4) ???

Do I have to do anything to the HDD? Or once I format and it's blank then it is good to go and I can just install stuff and choose the blank HDD as the directory?

You will need to set the boot priority in the BIOS if you don't format the HDD first or it will boot from the HDD. I'd set the boot priority like this:

1) CD/DVD-ROM
2) SSD
3) HDD

Boot from your Windows disk, install Windows on your SSD, format HDD, and you're done.

 

[dr0be]

Boot from your Windows disk, install Windows on your SSD, format HDD, and you're done.

Okay, thank you. I just wasn't sure if there was anything to do once you format the HDD or you just leave it blank.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Yeah, just a simple format going through the windows 'Computer Management' console. Right click unformatted drive and format.