Using old storage devices on new build.
- Thread starter lenzler
- Start date
Solution
Well, well, well, you should consider yourself pretty lucky. 
If everything is working properly, then I guess you could keep using it as it is. Just remember to keep regular updates of your important data, so that you're on the safe side if anything unusual happens.
And congrats on the new build!
If everything is working properly, then I guess you could keep using it as it is. Just remember to keep regular updates of your important data, so that you're on the safe side if anything unusual happens.
And congrats on the new build!
Boogieman_WD
Judicious
- Jul 31, 2014
- 6,050
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- 35,960
Hey there, Lenzler.
Unfortunately, you won't be able to use the same OS with the new motherboard. It's very rare that something like this would work and in most cases at least the motherboards' models should be similar. You will be able to use both your SSD and HDD with your new build, however you'll need to make a fresh install of Windows.
It would be wise to backup any important data which you might have on the SSD so that you can reformat it for the new OS installation.
Hope that helps. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Boogieman_WD
Unfortunately, you won't be able to use the same OS with the new motherboard. It's very rare that something like this would work and in most cases at least the motherboards' models should be similar. You will be able to use both your SSD and HDD with your new build, however you'll need to make a fresh install of Windows.
It would be wise to backup any important data which you might have on the SSD so that you can reformat it for the new OS installation.
Hope that helps. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Boogieman_WD
Thanks for the answer. Where could I find how to make backup of ssd? Will booting up new system prompt me to reformat my ssd or will I have to do that before? Also how do I avoid repurchasing windows? Is my product key all I need?
Will I have to reformat hdd as well?
Boogieman_WD
Judicious
- Jul 31, 2014
- 6,050
- 2
- 35,960
Backing up important personal files such as photos, videos, documents, projects, etc is as easy as coping them from one drive to another. So if you don't have anything you need from your SSD then you won't need to backup anything.
I assume you're talking about booting from your installation media (DVD, USB). It won't prompt you to format anything, however when you start the installation process you'll have to select a storage device in order to install Windows. Then you'll have the option to manually reformat and repartition that drive as you see fit.
If you already have a retail product key, then you won't need to by Windows again. All you'll need to do is install the same version and use your product key. However, if that Windows is OEM (original equipment manufacturer - the OS came with a pre-build computer/laptop) then you won't be able to use that product key with the new system.
The HDD won't have to be reformatted. If it has no system files and/or partition on it, it is OK as it is. However if you have installed programs and/or games on it, some of them might not run properly with the new Windows installation so you'll need to reinstall them. I'd recommend that you have all other drives (besides the SSD you're installing Windows to) disconnected from the motherboard during the Windows installation process, in order to avoid future issues with the OS.
What's the Windows version you're using? 7, 8, 10?
Keep me posted and don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions, or if I haven't explained something properly.
I assume you're talking about booting from your installation media (DVD, USB). It won't prompt you to format anything, however when you start the installation process you'll have to select a storage device in order to install Windows. Then you'll have the option to manually reformat and repartition that drive as you see fit.
If you already have a retail product key, then you won't need to by Windows again. All you'll need to do is install the same version and use your product key. However, if that Windows is OEM (original equipment manufacturer - the OS came with a pre-build computer/laptop) then you won't be able to use that product key with the new system.
The HDD won't have to be reformatted. If it has no system files and/or partition on it, it is OK as it is. However if you have installed programs and/or games on it, some of them might not run properly with the new Windows installation so you'll need to reinstall them. I'd recommend that you have all other drives (besides the SSD you're installing Windows to) disconnected from the motherboard during the Windows installation process, in order to avoid future issues with the OS.
What's the Windows version you're using? 7, 8, 10?
Keep me posted and don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions, or if I haven't explained something properly.
Boogieman_WD
Judicious
- Jul 31, 2014
- 6,050
- 2
- 35,960
Sure thing. If you have Windows 10 retail product key, then you should have no issues using it for your new installation. You could either create a USB or a DVD to use as installation media (if you don't have one) by following the instructions from this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 (it's a download link as well).
Boogieman_WD
Judicious
- Jul 31, 2014
- 6,050
- 2
- 35,960
Well, well, well, you should consider yourself pretty lucky.
If everything is working properly, then I guess you could keep using it as it is. Just remember to keep regular updates of your important data, so that you're on the safe side if anything unusual happens.
And congrats on the new build!
If everything is working properly, then I guess you could keep using it as it is. Just remember to keep regular updates of your important data, so that you're on the safe side if anything unusual happens.
And congrats on the new build!
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