Help with swapping Hard drive

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AJPaz

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Jan 28, 2015
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Hey guys quick question.

My OS is installed onto my SSD. All my programs and steam games are stored in my 1TB HDD.
I want to buy a 3TB hard drive and replace the 1TB hard drive without installing windows again.

Just wanted to know if I need to just backup everything from the 1TB HDD and replace it with the 3TB HDD and restore the files. Is it that simple? or do I need to do anything else. I heard from a friend that I would need to install Linux on a USB and change the disk drive letter for the 3TB HDD.

Sorry if this is confusing.
 
Solution
USAFRet


1. Do not listen to your friend. He is completely wrong.
2. Is this a desktop or a laptop?

Currently, you have the OS and stuff on the SSD. Drive C
Other stuff on the 1TB HDD, drive D or E...
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genthug

genthug

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Mar 20, 2016
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Easier way to possibly do it: Grab another SATA cable -> hook 3TB drive up -> move everything from 1 tb to 3 tb -> uninstall 1tb harddrive. Or, you could just reinstall everything on the 3 tb HDD to save yourself some possible trouble that windows might have in finding paths for things.

I have no idea what you're friend is smoking, you can do that from the windows-included Disk Management software. Just have to initialize the drive to GPT and give it a letter. Don't know why Linux is required for that?

Edit: your question was specifically about Windows: no, you don't. If Windows is on your SSD, it will not be affected by any changes in subsequent HDDs installed. Everything will be fine.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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1. Do not listen to your friend. He is completely wrong.
2. Is this a desktop or a laptop?

Currently, you have the OS and stuff on the SSD. Drive C
Other stuff on the 1TB HDD, drive D or E.

Correct?

If this is a desktop, all you need to do is plug in the new 3TB drive.
Copy all the files from the 1TB to the 3TB
In Disk Management, swap the drive letters around


If this is a laptop, you will need to connect the new drive via USB dock or cable, and do the same as above.
 
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