Install old xp HDD in Win 7 machine

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
B

banjo59

Reputable
Dec 1, 2014
4
0
4,510
So I just built a new gaming PC that works great. I have a new SSD running Win 7 and a new 1tb HDD for storage. This replaced an old Dell XPS 435 from 2009 I had, but there are several program files on there (Photoshop) I no longer have disks for that I'd like use of on my new machine. Can I simply move that HDD over to my new machine and have access to the programs? Do I need to format it in some way? That HDD has an OEM copy of Vista on it. If someone could walk me through the process of doing this if it is possible it would be greatly appreciated!
 
Solution
D_Know_WD
Hi there banjo59,

The best option would be just to attach the drive, format it and do a clean install of the programs that you need. Here's how: http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3865
Apart from that, you can use the drive(with the Windows installed on it), but it shouldn't be among the bootable devices(you can check this out in BIOS). Also, it will be a good idea to reinstall the programs(as they were previously installed on XP, while now they will operate on Win 7).

Cheers,
D_Know_WD
Sort by date Sort by votes
D_Know_WD

D_Know_WD

Judicious
Jul 30, 2014
6,633
3
35,960
Hi there banjo59,

The best option would be just to attach the drive, format it and do a clean install of the programs that you need. Here's how: http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3865
Apart from that, you can use the drive(with the Windows installed on it), but it shouldn't be among the bootable devices(you can check this out in BIOS). Also, it will be a good idea to reinstall the programs(as they were previously installed on XP, while now they will operate on Win 7).

Cheers,
D_Know_WD
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
B

banjo59

Reputable
Dec 1, 2014
4
0
4,510
So basically, if i do not have the discs I'm pretty much out of luck? There is nothing on the old HDD I need other than a few program files. I already had backed up everything else.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
N

niroshido

Distinguished
Jan 15, 2012
112
0
18,710
Hi Banjo, D_Know_WD may be right to a degree, but it is important to understand a few things, Alot of applications when they are installed on a PC, alter the registry files for the O, so they cannot be simply be transferred from one machine to another. Once you install (lets say photoshop) on the PC, one of many things done during installation is that it alters the windows registry files, as it does so, services are added and are automatically run. Because those services and registry files are registered to a specific OS installation, the chances are they cannot be run from another instance of an OS (i.e. If you have 2 OS's and 1 of them has the registry files updated to use photoshop, the other one won't unless you re-install it)

if i was to TL;DR this, I would say that no, you won't be able to use the applications unless they are installed on the new OS. As for formatting the drive, I don't believe you would have to, your PC's BIOS will boot from whatever hard drive it is told to. So if you tell it to boot from SSD, then it will do so. The files on the other HDD should be accessible (In my current machine, i have 1 SSHD and 2 HDD's the OS is on the SSHD, on one of the HDD's (which is dodgy and once was my main drive), i still have the old OS on that as well as some of the documents/music and even apps, but the apps cannot be run).

But by all means, connect your old drive, insure that you are booting from the correct drive. You should be able to access data from the old drive and maybe even the applications (but i doubt it).
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom