Windows on new SSD how to access old programs on HDD

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JDC_97

Commendable
Jul 23, 2016
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0
1,510
Previously I had one HDD for windows, all my programs and documents. I just got a new SSD and installed windows 10 onto it, I can still see all the programs on the HDD but they won't open. Do I have to redownload all the programs? Can I delete the programs from the HDD and reinstall them onto the 1tb HDD to make them work (for example should I download steam onto the SSD then the games on the HDD or can both the programs and the games be put back onto the HDD?)

This is my first build so I'm new to this kind of stuff.
 
Solution
CountMike
Once you do clean install old programs don't have link to OS. some, like portable programs may work but installed ones that have to write to registry most probably will not. You may need to reinstall them but if their installer allows it let it install at same place on second drive.
I believe that Steam has utility to move and repair their games in cases like this.
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CountMike

CountMike

Titan
Oct 31, 2015
33,775
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Once you do clean install old programs don't have link to OS. some, like portable programs may work but installed ones that have to write to registry most probably will not. You may need to reinstall them but if their installer allows it let it install at same place on second drive.
I believe that Steam has utility to move and repair their games in cases like this.
 
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Solution
SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

Glorious
Jul 30, 2014
6,758
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Hey there, @JDC_97!

@CountMike is right! Unfortunately, you won't be able to use any program from your old HDD. This is due to the fact that it's a new OS and a new motherboard. You need to reinstall any kind of software, game, program or you can simply use the Steam backup feature, if your have been using it previously for gaming.
Either way, backup all the personal data somewhere else and reformat the whole HDD through Disk Management.
Once you have successfully erased your secondary HDD, you can simply transfer back all your personal data onto it and re-install all your software and games.
You might also want to change the default install path to the HDD, so that you don't fill up your SSD with random data.

Hope these help. Best of luck! :)
SuperSoph_WD
 
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