- Background: Upgrading my computer (new CPU, larger HDD, first SSD)
- Goal: Use new HDD as primary and current HDD as internal backup drive
- Problem: Unsure how to save current data (Disk Space Fan 4 Free puts me at 65-70GB)
- Ideal plan: Save data in format 'x', go through upgrade checklist (includes wiping my current HDD), transfer data from format 'x' to new HDD, periodically back up data onto old HDD
- Obstacles: Online 'cloud' storage would take ~7 days (fear of complete data loss aside), only own one 16GB flash drive, won't have funds for external drive for some time
- Thoughts: Appears only viable option is transferring data from current HDD to new one
- Issues: Wouldn't this require formatting and/or partitioning of new drive? Isn't that usually done before fresh installations of Windows?
- Uncertain outline: Unplug current HDD, plug in new one, format/partition (assuming OS not required), plug in both HDDs, transfer data
Any assistance would be fantastic as I really can't proceed without solving this issue first. Thanks in advance.
EDIT: I believe you can essentially flash your data from one HDD to another. I do not wish to do this. I only wish to transfer individual files to keep the new hardware as clean as possible.
- Goal: Use new HDD as primary and current HDD as internal backup drive
- Problem: Unsure how to save current data (Disk Space Fan 4 Free puts me at 65-70GB)
- Ideal plan: Save data in format 'x', go through upgrade checklist (includes wiping my current HDD), transfer data from format 'x' to new HDD, periodically back up data onto old HDD
- Obstacles: Online 'cloud' storage would take ~7 days (fear of complete data loss aside), only own one 16GB flash drive, won't have funds for external drive for some time
- Thoughts: Appears only viable option is transferring data from current HDD to new one
- Issues: Wouldn't this require formatting and/or partitioning of new drive? Isn't that usually done before fresh installations of Windows?
- Uncertain outline: Unplug current HDD, plug in new one, format/partition (assuming OS not required), plug in both HDDs, transfer data
Any assistance would be fantastic as I really can't proceed without solving this issue first. Thanks in advance.
EDIT: I believe you can essentially flash your data from one HDD to another. I do not wish to do this. I only wish to transfer individual files to keep the new hardware as clean as possible.