Transferring old XP HDD to a new Windows 8 build?

Quackamo · Jan 8, 2014

Hi there, quick question:
What will happen if I put an old 160GB HDD with Windows XP and riddled with viruses (parents' old HDD) into a new Windows 8.1 build, as a second HDD? I already have 1TB of space on my PC now but it would be a nice little bonus to get an extra 160GB pretty much for free (I know I'd have to buy a PATA to SATA convertor for putting an older hard drive into a new system, but they're cheap).

Will I be able to wipe clean the hard drive (OS and all) without transferring any viruses to my new PC? And would it work just to get another 160GB for cheap?

Thanks.

smorizio · Jan 8, 2014

if your loking for a storage drive use a usb case and leave it outside your pc. when you plug it in windows will see it as another drive. run a virus scan on it then move your parents data of the drive then format it.

maxwellmelon · Jan 8, 2014

as a side note if there are no files u want to save(and positive of it) on it just get a dos or similar boot disk with a partition software or format software. delete all partitions and/or format the drive will clean everything from it.

USAFRet · Jan 8, 2014

Do NOT boot with that drive connected. A USB dock or cable. Only turn it on after your regular install is up and running.

If there is nothing critical on it, delete all partitions on it and then reformat as needed.

Quackamo · Jan 8, 2014

smorizio :

USAFRet :

Wow thanks guys, I had no idea a convertor like that even existed but it seems perfect for what I need. I'll definitely check it out.

maxwellmelon :

Yeah there are no files I need saved, could you recommend some good software to completely wipe and format the HDD?

USAFRet · Jan 8, 2014

I have one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Vantec-CB-ISATAU2-Supports-2-5-Inch-5-25-Inch/dp/B000J01I1G

Works VERY well, with all sorts of drives.

Quackamo · Jan 8, 2014

USAFRet :

That does look perfect but unfortunately I'm in the UK and you can't get those on Amazon UK or eBay UK, so I've just gone for a generic USB case. But thanks a lot for your help.

While I'm on the topic, do I set the old PATA HDD to slave or master?

USAFRet · Jan 8, 2014

Quackamo :

Amazon.co.uk - £11.80
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Generic-SATA-S-ATA-Adapter-Cable/dp/B00E8D18YW

No idea if this one is good, but there are others.

smorizio · Jan 9, 2014

ide drives by them-self have to be set to master.

Quackamo · Jan 13, 2014

Thanks for all your responses guys. I bought a USB case like smorizio suggested and it worked perfectly, and I chose his as best answer because he gave me the short and sweet answer I needed, quickly.

Search

Transferring old XP HDD to a new Windows 8 build?

Quackamo

Honorable

smorizio

smorizio

Titan

maxwellmelon

Splendid

USAFRet

Titan

Quackamo

Honorable

USAFRet

Titan

Quackamo

Honorable

USAFRet

Titan

smorizio

Titan

Quackamo

Honorable

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page