Moving HDD to new build, but deleting Windows

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TprSmid

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Jul 25, 2014
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10,510
Hi,

I'm building a new PC but wish to transfer a few parts from my old one, namely, the PSU and two HDDs to supplement a new SSD.

I have purchased a new (OEM) copy of Windows for the new build as my old PC only had an OEM copy of Vista and a free upgrade DVD for Windows 7 HP.

I will be installing the new copy of Windows 7 on the new SDD, but want to use my existing HDDs for additional storage on the new system.

My question - how do I delete Windows from the first of the existing HDDs? I would like to avoid formatting them (certainly not HDD2, where I hold all my photos etc) if possible although in extremis, formatting HDD1 could be workable.

I plan to set the boot order in the new system to SSD, HDD1, HDD2.

I've never built a PC before from scratch, so this could be an interesting day!

Thanks.
 
Solution
Vic 40
When installing windows on the ssd only connect the ssd to the motherboard and leave the two hdd's off.Only after installing windows reconnect the two hdd's and you should be fine.

Windows is about 20->25gb's of space.it is up to you to see if this is worth deleting it.
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Vic 40

Vic 40

Titan
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Oct 22, 2013
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When installing windows on the ssd only connect the ssd to the motherboard and leave the two hdd's off.Only after installing windows reconnect the two hdd's and you should be fine.

Windows is about 20->25gb's of space.it is up to you to see if this is worth deleting it.
 
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Solution
T

TprSmid

Honorable
Jul 25, 2014
18
0
10,510
Right, so finally got the PC built and it's running like a dream.

However, when I try to delete the old version of Windows on my old HDD (I did a fresh install of Windows 7 to my new SSD, without the other two old HDDs connected up, then shut down once that was installed and fully updated, before connecting the two HDDs), it won't let me do so.

Selecting the 'Windows' folder on the HDD and clicking delete goes through c.25Gb of file deletions, then I get error message which says "You need permission from TrustedInstaller to make changes to this folder" right at the end.

Any ideas? I could just leave it there, but I might as well free up the c25Gb it's taking up.
 
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Vic 40

Vic 40

Titan
Ambassador
Oct 22, 2013
20,885
994
87,990
I can only think about a totall format.You would need to back up what you want to keep and copy back when done.

Maybe starting=booting from a cd like "hirens boot cd" into mini xp,then finding that folder and delete it will do the trick.Something to try first before a format.A good thing to have anyway for some troubleshooting.
 
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