Moving HDD and SSD from one PC to another PC

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MattK30

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Jul 2, 2016
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I'm still new to the PC universe so forgive me for having just basic knowledge of computers.

I'm building a new computer and was wondering how to transfer my HDD and SSD from my old computer to my new computer? Do I have to wipe everything I have installed on them and re-download everything, do I have to uninstall all of my drivers? How would a go about transferring my HDD and SSD to my new PC step by step?
 
Solution
USAFRet


After the OS install, you need some way of getting those drivers.
So at the very least, find and save the LAN driver. Once you have connectivity, you can get all the others.

To fully wipe the drive(s) and install the OS? No problem.

Build the new PC
Connect only the SSD
Power on, go into the BIOS, and verify AHCI mode is enabled.
Continue the power on and boot from your install media
When it asks 'where', Custom.
Select and delete ALL existing partitions, leaving...
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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What OS is this? Where did it come from?
YOu have two concerns, Operation and Licensing

Operation:
It may or may not boot with this new hardware. Or, it may boot up, but run like crap. Or it may be just fine.

Licensing:
Depending on the OS and where it came from, you may need a whole new OS license.
 
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M

MattK30

Commendable
Jul 2, 2016
23
0
1,510


I know I have to get a new OS that isn't what i'm asking though. I'm just not certain what else I have to do with what I have on my HDD and SSD.

This is my new PC Build: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/MattDevs/saved/#view=Jz6v6h

This is my old PC (with the HDD and SSD im moving over):https://pcpartpicker.com/user/MattDevs/saved/#view=dxpXsY

I'm moving my GPU over too but that's not important.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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So...
New OS, new hardware, same old drives.

No problem.

This is just a clean install on new hardware.
Gather all the relevant drivers, and save to a USB
Build the new system
Have only the desired drive connected. (The SSD?)
Power up
Verify ACI mode is enabled in the BIOS.
Boot up from your install media, and install to that SSD
Then you install your drivers
Once it is all done, then you connect any other drives.
 
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M

MattK30

Commendable
Jul 2, 2016
23
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1,510


Where do I find all of the drivers I need? (I know there in my SSD but which ones do I most likely need?)
Could I just erase all of my drivers and everything else off of my HDD and SSD and reinstall? If so how would I?

 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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You go to the manufacturers website(s), and download the install thing from there.
 
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MattK30

Commendable
Jul 2, 2016
23
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1,510


What drivers are you talking about though?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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LAN, audio, GPU, etc, etc...
 
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M

MattK30

Commendable
Jul 2, 2016
23
0
1,510


Ok forget the downloading drivers to a usb part. Could I just complete erase everything off of my HDD and SSD and just download my driver on my new computer? If so how do I completely wipe my HDD and SSD so they are like brand new again with not a thing on them?

 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,802
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After the OS install, you need some way of getting those drivers.
So at the very least, find and save the LAN driver. Once you have connectivity, you can get all the others.

To fully wipe the drive(s) and install the OS? No problem.

Build the new PC
Connect only the SSD
Power on, go into the BIOS, and verify AHCI mode is enabled.
Continue the power on and boot from your install media
When it asks 'where', Custom.
Select and delete ALL existing partitions, leaving one large space.
Let Windows install to that space. It will create what it needs.

Once done, install the LAN driver that you found and saved earlier.
Then you can go and download and install all the other drivers.
Later, reconnect the HDD and whatever other drives you have.
Wipe those and use as desired.
 
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Solution
M

MattK30

Commendable
Jul 2, 2016
23
0
1,510


Thanks do I need to save my LAN driver though cause doesn't every motherboard have a different LAN driver?
Also when I wipe my HDD would it be the same way I wipe my SSD?

 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
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Mar 16, 2013
171,802
18,140
184,590


You need to go to the motherboard manufacturer, find the LAN driver for that OS and motherboard, and save that to a USB.

Wipe the HDD later, in Disk Management. Delete all existing partitions, create one new one, format and give it a drive letter.
 
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M

MattK30

Commendable
Jul 2, 2016
23
0
1,510


When i'm wiping my HDD in Disk Management I do that on my new PC correct? Do I have to do anything with them on my old PC or do I simply just unplug from my old PC and thats that?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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Just in the new PC. Nothing needed on the old machine.
 
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M

MattK30

Commendable
Jul 2, 2016
23
0
1,510


Thank you for the help man I really appreciate it, i'm pretty sure I know what to do now. Now all I have to do is wait for my parts to come in then I get to build my overkill gaming setup.
 
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