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    Reformating 2 different hard drives (HDD & SSD)

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by alou180, Nov 19, 2013.

  1. alou180

    alou180 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi Guys,

    i've been experiencing a major slow down in my computer performance (especially in-game) so i was thinking about reformatting my laptop ( MSI gt60) .

    Here's the thing, i know how to reformat when it comes to a normal HDD but i have 2 drives,

    my C: is my SSD where my OS is installed and E: drive is the HDD that comes with the laptop, is there something special i need to do when reformatting ?

    Thanks,
    Alex
     
    alou180, Nov 19, 2013
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  2. RCB

    RCB Notebook Deity

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    Nothing special except for OP.

    This is for Windows 7 MBR boot disk setup.

    Ensure the BIOS SATA mode is set to AHCI.
    Start a Windows 7 install and at the Language form press SHIFT + F10.

    Type the following commands exactly, Press Enter key after each line:

    DISKPART
    LIST DISK
    SELECT DISK n (n = number of the target disk to bring into focus to operate on)
    CLEAN (~30 seconds to complete)
    CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY SIZE=400
    FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="System Reserved"
    ACTIVE
    CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY SIZE=171008 (exactly 167GB; ~30% unallocated for OP: over-provision)
    FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="OS" QUICK (~1 minute to complete)
    EXIT
    EXIT

    You're done. Click next to install Windows. Use CLEAN ALL if the drive is giving you problems. Leave the System Reserved partition at 400MB in case you ever want to upgrade to Window 7 Ultimate.
     
    RCB, Nov 19, 2013
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  3. alou180

    alou180 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Sorry im using win8.. same procedure?
     
    alou180, Nov 19, 2013
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  4. RCB

    RCB Notebook Deity

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    A little different if you're running in UEFI mode; Did you buy the computer with 8 installed or was it upgraded?
     
    RCB, Nov 19, 2013
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  5. ajnindlo

    ajnindlo Notebook Deity

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    I would try a drive benchmark. Defrag the hdd, and see what speed the the ssd is before doing anything. I would also run process explorer with geaphs for each process. That will show which processes are hogging the cpu. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx

    Reformatting is like emptying your entire house, just so you can organize your living room.
     
    ajnindlo, Nov 19, 2013
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  6. alou180

    alou180 Notebook Enthusiast

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    When i bought the computer Win8 was installed but i had it reinstall on the ssd instead.

    Ok now the software is installed what am i looking at? or what am i looking for ...
     
    alou180, Nov 19, 2013
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  7. RCB

    RCB Notebook Deity

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    RCB, Nov 19, 2013
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