Upgrading Envy 17 3D primary HDD to a SSD [ Edited ]

[bpace77]

I was wondering the steps I would need to take inorder to upgrade my current 640GB 7200 HDD to a SSD.I read this thread about the compatibility so I am aware of some issues I may have.
http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Hardware-Upgrades-Replacements/Envy-17-SSD-compatibility/td-p/1251555

I have an Envy 17 3D which I bought around this time last year so its probably an Envy 17-1000 - 17-1099 series.  It came with w7 home preinstalled on a 640GB HDD 7200.  I want to put an SSD in the primary slot and use the current 640 in the secondary slot.  I have the HDD caddy for the secondary slot already  I just need to know what are the steps I need to take to install the SSD properly.

Here are a few questions I have:

1. I know the Envy is sata2 but most SSD are sata3, would a sata3 SSD be backwards compatible with my Envy?
2. Would you use the backup disk made from the 640GB HDD and install it on the SSD or would I get a fresh copy of w7 to install?
3. If using a fresh copy of w7 pro would system, videocard and 3d drivers be an issue since its not HP's version of w7?
4. when the SSD is finally installed can i just pop my 640 in the secondary drive slot and pull the personal files then format or do I have to get the personal files off beforhand?

[pepe999 · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Q1: Yes it is compatible.

Q2: I would suggest to create a minimized recovery dvd in HP Recovery Manager. Solid drives are not as big as the original hdd and it may cause troubles when restoring the system on an ssd.

Q3: An OEM Windows disk may be used to perform a fresh install and necessary drivers download from HP.

Q4: Yes, just install the hdd in the secondary bay and it will be worked as a slave drive so back up all data you need and then reformat it..