Will second HDD transfer after fresh Windows install?

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TheHinesman

TheHinesman

Commendable
Sep 21, 2016
3
0
1,510
Hey everyone,

Soon I intend on installing a new motherboard and processor to my PC, and will be doing a fresh install of Win10. The OS will be installed on my SSD, which is my current C:. I have a second HDD that I use to install all my games on, backup photos, etc. My question is, once I install Win10 on the SSD, can I simply plug in my HDD and have it work fine without having to wipe it as well?
 
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SuperSoph_WD
Welcome to Tom's Hardware, @TheHinesman!

Good job with your hardware upgrade. There's a couple of things you should do before tampering with it, though. First of all, make sure you backup all your important files somewhere off-site. This will avoid any potential data loss. Afterwards, clean install Windows onto the SSD without the secondary HDD connected to the motherboard. Having more than the destination OS drive connected to the SATA ports will most probably cause an OS confusion, which will require you to re-do the clean install again. Actually, I'd suggest you follow this step-by-step tutorial about Windows Install & Optimization for SSDs & HDDs.

You will most certainly be able to access any personal data from...
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

Glorious
Jul 30, 2014
6,758
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45,960
Welcome to Tom's Hardware, @TheHinesman!

Good job with your hardware upgrade. There's a couple of things you should do before tampering with it, though. First of all, make sure you backup all your important files somewhere off-site. This will avoid any potential data loss. Afterwards, clean install Windows onto the SSD without the secondary HDD connected to the motherboard. Having more than the destination OS drive connected to the SATA ports will most probably cause an OS confusion, which will require you to re-do the clean install again. Actually, I'd suggest you follow this step-by-step tutorial about Windows Install & Optimization for SSDs & HDDs.

You will most certainly be able to access any personal data from your secondary HDD, however, you will definitely need to re-install your software and some of the games. (Steam could be transferred) Most of the apps won't work due to the fact that it's a different motherboard which is like a whole new PC altogether.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions or concerns.
SuperSoph_WD
 
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