Adding a HD drive

[Volfenshteinya]

So I just built a new computer and I have it running on a 500gb SSD. Its fresh and only has windows installed on it. All of my old files and steam games are on my old Hardrive which also has windows Installed. Can I connect my old HD drive and still use programs and files, but keep my ssd as the boot?

 

[viewtyjoe]

You can certainly attach the hard drive and the data will be there (files.) Getting programs to run will be a more interesting proposition depending on how you define "run." Most programs should execute fine, but if you want them in the start menu or to show up in the programs list, you're in for a world of registry editing. If you have them available, you may be able to use installers to repair and reinstall to the same location on the old drive which should fix most of it.

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Hey there, @Volfenshteinya!

Indeed, you can definitely do that, just like @viewtyjoe mentioned. However, in order to stop filling your SSD with random data, you should simply change the default install/download path to the secondary HDD. Since it's an old hard drive, I'd also strongly recommend you reformat it through Disk Management when you plug it in the system and then run its brand-specific diagnostic utility (or a third-party alternative) to check up on the health and SMART status of the HDD.

If you have more questions, let us know. Best of luck!
SuperSoph_WD