I have a 2 tb hardrive and is not cleaned off. Is it OK to transfer it to a different computer or how I can reset it?

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FlameDrop13

FlameDrop13

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I have a hardrive it's not cleaned off. The computer that I got it from doesn't reset for some reason and doesn't work any more. Can I transfer without cleaning it or how can I reset it.
 
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coozie7
Yes, you'll have the option to repartition and format the drive during the Windows install.
Early on you'll see a screen asking you which drive/partition you wish to install on, delete all those shown. Now you have a choice, you can either use the drive as a single massive partition or divide it into two or more smaller partitions, each partition will be treated as a separate drive and assigned a separate drive letter once Windows is fully installed and running. Your choice but it's easier to just set up one big partition and format it at this stage. Whatever you do, the Windows install will add reserved partitions during the format, it's normal, indeed essential so don't delete them!
If there is another drive in the system, be sure...
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Barty1884

Barty1884

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Not cleaned off? Does it have an OS? Would you be intending to use it as a boot drive?

If it's currently just 'bulk' media (documents, pictures etc) then you can connect it and use as a secondary drive. If you want to use it as a boot drive though, that'll require a format to install the OS - losing your files in the process.

If it currently has an OS - and you want to use it as your boot drive, it should be formatted with the OS reinstalled to ensure there's no remnants of your old setup. If it has an OS & bulk media and you want to use it as a storage drive, it could be a little problematic as you'll likely see boot conflicts between it & your new OS drive.
 
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FlameDrop13

FlameDrop13

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I am going to use it as a boot drive but I don't think I have a OS on it because I have a code for my windows 10 and there is stuff on it.
 
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coozie7

coozie7

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If you want to use it as a boot drive and have a Windows install disc/USB media just install the drive and then install Windows to it as you would normally, you'll be able to kill all the existing partitions and format it during the install process.
If the system has another HDD with critical data on it, obviously back that up first and be aware UEFI and non UEFI formatted drives won't play nice together BOTH drives must be formatted under the same system. If you're in ANY doubt-backup your files!
 
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FlameDrop13

FlameDrop13

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So if I just plug in the sata cable to the mobo turn on the computer install windows normally, will it clean the hardrive or what?
 
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coozie7

coozie7

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Yes, you'll have the option to repartition and format the drive during the Windows install.
Early on you'll see a screen asking you which drive/partition you wish to install on, delete all those shown. Now you have a choice, you can either use the drive as a single massive partition or divide it into two or more smaller partitions, each partition will be treated as a separate drive and assigned a separate drive letter once Windows is fully installed and running. Your choice but it's easier to just set up one big partition and format it at this stage. Whatever you do, the Windows install will add reserved partitions during the format, it's normal, indeed essential so don't delete them!
If there is another drive in the system, be sure to disconnect it BEFORE you do this, that way all the data/files will be protected from accidental erasure.
 
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