Old hardrive with os on it to new computer with os on its hardrive

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
A

aimlessytt

Prominent
Jan 4, 2018
15
0
520
I was wondering I have 2 extra hardrives pulled from 2 computers that don't work anymore. Both have operating systems and files, pics, etc.
I want to know if i put the hardrives into a new computer with an os already installed if I can pull off the files with no harm then reformat the drives and use it on my new computer. Will that work or will it try to boot into the other drives is and screw everything up.
 
Solution
C
There is a possibility it will try to boot to the drive. But even then it is unlikely that it will mess up anything if it does (Failure to boot or not.). When you connect the drive it is best to make sure the system boots to the proper drive by either forcing it via the BIOS or using a boot selection option. Another option is to use a USB (3 preferably) based HDD tray or dock to connect the drive to the computer this would allow for quick swapping of the drives without needing to shutdown the system so you can connect and install the drive. This way you can work on both drives and have the data backed up along with formatting and checking the drives before installing them in your system. (I use one to check any new drives for...
Sort by date Sort by votes
Jwpanz

Jwpanz

Honorable
Apr 17, 2016
1,851
2
12,965
You can place the drives in your PC and you may or may not be able to view the files on the drive. It depends if anything is encrypted. I have done it before with no issues but your mileage may vary.

As far as your PC booting from it you should be ok there. As long as you have your primary boot drive listed in the BIOS as the 1st option to boot from you’ll be ok.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
C

caqde

Distinguished
May 31, 2007
1,281
0
19,960
There is a possibility it will try to boot to the drive. But even then it is unlikely that it will mess up anything if it does (Failure to boot or not.). When you connect the drive it is best to make sure the system boots to the proper drive by either forcing it via the BIOS or using a boot selection option. Another option is to use a USB (3 preferably) based HDD tray or dock to connect the drive to the computer this would allow for quick swapping of the drives without needing to shutdown the system so you can connect and install the drive. This way you can work on both drives and have the data backed up along with formatting and checking the drives before installing them in your system. (I use one to check any new drives for errors/issues before installing them in my systems)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom