Can i use a old 1tb Hard drive?

Parollex · May 28, 2014

Hey,

I am building a new computer and wondering if i would be able to use the hard drive i have now,

I don't care about loosing the OS or anything i just want everything on it to be on my new computer including games I've already downloaded and other personal stuff.

So is it possible and how do i do it?

thanks

Nightmare9771 · May 28, 2014

Should be fine. When you install your OS just clear the partitions, and all should be ok.

Ubrales · May 28, 2014

Yes you can use the old hard disk. Before you do that download and run "HDTune" on it to check the health. You do not want a semi-healthy hard disk on your computer. Also, some of your programs and games may have to be re-installed.

Traildriver · May 28, 2014

If any of the games and software were actually installed (not just downloaded then they will in many cases not be usable as you will lose much of the installation configuration with the OS replacement (registry keys etc).

If you still have the original downloads on the HDD, then after the OS is installed just reinstall all the other stuff.

photonboy · May 28, 2014

GAMES (may wish to PRINT this out):
You can keep the games only if they are STEAM. There's a way to not re-download those.

I recommend you have at least two drives, possibly a Samsung 840 EVO 120GB SSD for the main drive (Windows/apps but no games) and use the HDD for games, media, downloads, and making a periodic IMAGE backup of the main drive, such as Acronis True Image (WD has a free version, Seagate has the same program called DiscWizard).

STEAM GAMES:

1. Copy your entire "Documents" folder as most/all save games will be in there. Copy back the proper folder as needed, not the entire thing (some in main folder, others in the "My Games" subfolder).

If you can't find the Save game, Google for the location. For example, on my computer the "Mass Effect" save files are here: C:\Users\Jeffrey\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Save

2. Copy/Move the "Steamapps" folder (should be very large) or just leave it there but do NOT delete it.

3. Install Windows, drivers etc..

4. Install STEAM (if two drives, then "E:\STEAM" for example) and sign in.

5. Cut/Paste (or copy for now if possible) the Steamapps folder.

6. Reboot?

7. Copy save game over

8. VALIDATE the game in Steam

9. Start game.

*How you move/copy the "Steamapps" folder depends on the number of drives, but basically as long as you don't DELETE the Steamapps folder you don't have to re-download.

OTHER:
Here's my advice if using a different drive for the main one:
0) Save/Export any local e-mail, browser Bookmarks, write down programs to reinstall etc.
1) Unhook the 1TB drive
2) Install Windows/drivers etc to the new drive
3) Shutdown, reattach old 1TB drive (change Boot Order so new drive is 1st if it tries booting to the old drive)
4) Make NEW folder on the 1TB drive (Temp do not delete; then move any folder you wish to keep there)
5) DELETE anything on the 1TB drive you don't wish to keep (should just have the Temp folder I recommended with "Steamapps", "Documents" etc.)
6) Install Steam... then continue as I suggested above.

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Can i use a old 1tb Hard drive?

Parollex

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photonboy

Nightmare9771

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Ubrales

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Traildriver

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photonboy

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