Adding second hard disk without losing files

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Lisa_105

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Jan 15, 2017
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Hello there,

I am wanting to delete all my files and get a new start on my primary hard drive. I have the Windows USB ready and I have some vital files backed up on my secundary hard drive.

My first question is how can I get a fresh start on the primary hard drive? And my second question is will i have to format the secundary hard drive when i start up my computer again, or will i lose all the files?

i need answers asap thank yo
 
Solution
Tanyac
As I said, I would disconnect your second hard drive first. That way you cannot "accidentally" do any damage to those vital files.
Then using DISkPART, clean (unformat), your primary hard disk,
Then reinstall Windows (Which will re-format the drive when it installs).
Once Windows in reinstalled on your primary hard disk, reconnect your secondary hard disk.

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Tanyac

Tanyac

Reputable
Aug 30, 2014
745
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If you are concerned with losing files from your secondary drive, disconnect it whilst you reinstall Windows on your primary drive.

IMHO the best way to get a fresh start with a used drive is to do a CLEAN using diskpart. This is a personal preference as there are other ways to accomplish the same task.

To CLEAN the disk you will need your install USB, and you will be using a utility called diskpart. This link provides information about diskpart --> https://neosmart.net/wiki/diskpart/

I recommend you disconnect your secondary drive before starting this. That way you will not accidentally delete the vital files.

Follow the steps described on the above link and that will set your disk drive to like a new unused drive.

You should be good to go from there.


 
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Multipack

Multipack

Honorable
Sep 5, 2016
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Make sure you have linked your email to your Windows account first, then just install to the blank new drive, using the same email address to sign in so it reactivates (Choose I dont have A Product Key during the installation).

Then you can reconnect your old drive and browse it as a data disk.
 
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Tanyac

Tanyac

Reputable
Aug 30, 2014
745
8
5,415
As I said, I would disconnect your second hard drive first. That way you cannot "accidentally" do any damage to those vital files.
Then using DISkPART, clean (unformat), your primary hard disk,
Then reinstall Windows (Which will re-format the drive when it installs).
Once Windows in reinstalled on your primary hard disk, reconnect your secondary hard disk.

 
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