Using old hard drive on new PC build

cheesebagels · Nov 17, 2015

Hi, I am doing a new PC build but want to use my current hard drive with the OS on is possible as it contains all my files and games. Is it possible to just plug this in and run with after installing the drivers? Or do I need to format it and start fresh? Thanks for your help in advance!

Pooneil · Nov 17, 2015

A fresh start on a hard drive with a new motherboard is almost always the best way to go. If the hard drive is older, it should be replaced anyway.

SuperSoph_WD · Nov 18, 2015

Hey there, cheesebagels!

@Pooneil is right! You won't be able to use your old HDD with your old Windows OS and the programs/games installed there, unfortunately. The new PC build and the new motherboard there requires you to have a genuine Windows installation! If you need to back up any data from it, I'd suggest you to do it on an external. Once you have the installation media and the HDD plugged in your new rig, you can start the fresh install and let Windows format the HDD for you.
Any kind of software from the drive must also be re-installed, otherwise you'd most probably not be able to load it or even if you do (which is highly unlikely), you'd face a lot of performance issues.
A totally clean start is highly recommended if you want your new rig to perform properly and at its full potential.

Best of luck! Hope we were helpful!

SuperSoph_WD

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