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    guide for installing OS on ssd and deleting OS from hdd?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Danzel, Oct 7, 2012.

  1. Danzel

    Danzel Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi,

    I plan to get a ssd for my alienware. Is there a guide on how to install the OS on the ssd while deleting the OS on the HDD. I just want to delete the OS on the hdd and not other storage files.

    Also is there a way to transfer all the drivers for the alienware over from the hdd to the ssd? Or I have to install it fresh on the ssd?

    Thanks.
     
  2. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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  3. Danzel

    Danzel Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the help. How do you remove only the OS from the HDD without deleting the rest of my data?
     
  4. J_Hizzal

    J_Hizzal Notebook Guru

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    Not sure exactly on how to remove just the OS. The way I put in my SSD was back up the folders on the HDD (mainly the docs, music, and pictures. Software can be reinstalled), then removed it. Put in the SSD, installed the OS and the drivers, then re-connected the HDD and reformatted it to clear it. I then just re-installed the programs to it, and put on all the docs, music, and pics.
     
  5. Danzel

    Danzel Notebook Enthusiast

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    So you had to transfer your data from your hdd 1st since formatting the hdd will delete everything.

    I read somewhere that is it possible way is to partition your hdd. Then you copy your data over to the other partition. Once done, you formatt the one containing your OS. So the one containing your data will remain safe. Anyone tried this method before? Is it possible to only formatt one of your partition on your hdd?
     
  6. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    Danzel, you don't need to format your HDD to install Windows on your SSD.

    How big is your HDD and how much data do you want to save?
    If you have more free space than data you would like to keep, then doing what you said (create a partition and copy your data on it) is possible and can be done after you setup your SSD.
     
  7. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    In order to do it better you will need to format the device. Now, if you plan to move the O.S to an SSD just install Windows on that one, move the files to it. Format it and move them back.
     
  8. Danzel

    Danzel Notebook Enthusiast

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    1) fix the ssd to mother board and remove the hdd
    2) install OS on the ssd
    3) fix back the hdd
    4) boot windows from ssd and transfer files from hdd to sdd
    5) format hdd

    OR

    1) fix the ssd to mother board and transfer files from hdd to sdd
    2) format your hdd
    3) install OS on ssd

    I'm not sure if the second method works. I think I should be doing the 1st method. Am I correct?