Tom's Hardware > Forum > Storage > General Storage > HardDrive Question
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xech   07-01-2008 at 07:58:33 AM

Hi, i have a question on harddrives.

Lets say i built a new computer with a new harddrive with it. and I want to use one of my old harddrives and install it in the computer also. so the question is when i install the harddrive, can i use the install files and my data in it or do i have to wipe it clean?

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BlackKnight7891   07-01-2008 at 08:34:53 AM
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im assuming you have windows plus games and apps on the original hdd.

you should: install both disks into the case make the new disk the primary. install windows onto the new disk. once windows is installed you can retrieve all your old data from your old disk.

songs and videos will work most games and applications will not work. you may find some apps that do work. this is because most installs right keys to the registry. this keys will be missing on the new disk. as well as missing dll files.

windows will cry if you install an old hdd onto new motherboard (new chipset). windows xp can sometimes be made to run when you launch recovery and install the correct drivers for the new hardware. but it is safer and less of a headache to install fresh.

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MrLinux   07-01-2008 at 08:37:51 AM
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If by "install files" you mean applications already installed, then no, they would need to be re-installed; data files should should be OK providing you don't re-format.

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Shadowthor   07-01-2008 at 08:50:23 AM
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You can use acronis universal restore to backup and then restore to the new harddrive. After that is completed, go into safe mode and install all the drivers for the mobo, etc. It should be able to boot completely into windows no problem on the new hardware, just needs reactivation.

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BlackKnight7891   07-01-2008 at 11:20:26 PM
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windows vista really doesnt like it i've tried, and there's no real difference between that and just booting of the old hdd

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