CPU+MB Upgrade - can I save my data?

[Sacrifice]

Hi all, sorry for the wall of text and questions but I need a lot of advice!

So I'm going from a 2600k, ROG Maximus IV Gene-Z (windows 7) to a 2600x and Asus prime x470 pro (windows 10). I'd like to use the same GPU and data drives.

My systems' data drives are set out a little weirdly and because this is my first proper upgrade of CPU and motherboard I'm unsure how this will affect things and what I should do before I upgrade to save some data if possible.

Here's how my SSD/hard drives are set out: (I have a 120gb ssd, a 1tb SSD, a 2tb HDD and a 500gb HDD with a new 120gb ssd that came with my MB)

Disk 1: An older crucial M4 SSD 120gb - Currently windows 7 installed, with some data I'd like to keep.
Disk 2: A pretty basic Western digital HDD - 250gb partition for some steam games
Disk 2(a): A 250gb partition on the above drive for a windows 8 install that I have now deleted and can add back to make one drive.
Disk 3: A 2TB HDD full with all of my main programs and steam games, plus some files I'd like to keep.
Disk 4: A 1TB SSD that I got recently for some steam games and files I'd like to keep.

Disk 5: When I bought my motherboard I received a free 120GB SSD.

So my thoughts/questions are mainly the following-
1. Because I'll have a new SSD I can use this for the new install of windows 10
2. Should I put all the files (not programs) I'd like to keep onto the 1TB SSD then just plug that in and be good to go with the files I'd like to keep and format the other drives?
3. Should I delete any programs/files that might cause a clash before upgrading? If so what should I be looking for?
4. Is it worth doing the upgrade to windows 10 before I upgrade, or just use the windows 10 upgrade tool to create a USB boot?
5. Will having steam games/other programs already installed be a problem? E.g would using my 2tb as it is with all my programs and some driver files just confuse things and create potential problems?
6. Should I format each drive (apart from perhaps the 1tb one with only data) before I start the upgrade?
7. Could I have a drive (perhaps the 2tb hdd) with only steam games on it and have steam pick these up once it's put into the new system?

 

[LuckyBenski]

In terms of Steam games, they're nice and portable. Toucan copy the folder Steam/common/Steamapps (I think) and tell Steam where it is to pick up the files. Then go to install a game and it will discover said installed files. Note that save games are often under your Windows user area so don't lose those.

IMO it's best to not confuse system and software files between installs - I make a list of installed software and then reinstall manually on the new machine. So really, backup personal files and media, then backup games and saves. Sounds like you could have a drive for each of those. Also you can have multiple Steam game folders and move games between them so, keep every game you own on a hard drive and move ones you're playing to an SSD.

Most importantly, unplug EVERY drive except your target Windows drive while installing. It protects their contents and also avoids you doing anything weird with the installation setup.

In terms of upgrading, it's possible you need to do it first to convert your key to a Windows 10 one but I don't think I'd worry. Just install right over the top. You can get a key for ~£5 if you need to.

 

[Sacrifice]

Cheers for that!

I think I'll just put the new SSD in and install windows on it via USB to save the confusion. Then just add in the drives with files and games.

I'll be sorting out my files/documents onto one drive, then a steam game drive, then format the rest (except my windows 7 boot drive which I'll have to do with the new system??) before upgrading.

Actually, when you say install right over the top, what do you mean?

 

[LuckyBenski]

Cheers for that!

I think I'll just put the new SSD in and install windows on it via USB to save the confusion. Then just add in the drives with files and games.

I'll be sorting out my files/documents onto one drive, then a steam game drive, then format the rest (except my windows 7 boot drive which I'll have to do with the new system??) before upgrading.

Actually, when you say install right over the top, what do you mean?

Plug in USB and wipe entire drive

Sounds like a good plan - get Windows set up, then build the new setup bit by bit from your source drives. Leave formatting Win 7 out for last in case you have issues and need to go back. Tidy!