[SOLVED] Can't access apps and files from old HDD after installing new SSD with OS

[jojo7758]

I recently just bought a new SSD to only put my OS on which I did as if I were installing windows on a new computer and I have gained access to both storage devices. However, applications and previous files I've had don't seem to be on the old HDD such as games, steam etc while files related to them still seem to be on there. On the storage settings, it shows that majority of my HDD is being used yet under all the sections, such as 'system and reserved' and 'apps and features', they all say '0 bytes'.
There have been previous threads about things similar to this but they're quite old and I find it hard to understand the concepts they're trying to explain.

So how do I gain access to these apps again? Do I re download them? And if so wouldn't that just add to my HDD usage even though I stored the same apps on it previously?

 

[USAFRet]

Applications from the old drive and OS can't be used.
They'll need to be reinstalled.

For your Steam games...yes, they are still there. What you're not finding is the shortcuts to launch anything. That all existed under your old user.

"Apps and features" will only show those things this new OS knows about. Not all the old stuff.

 

[Wolfshadw]

Programs that you installed with your previous installation of Windows will not work with your new install of Windows. Each program you install writes entries to the registry and when you installed Windows, fresh, a new registry was created. As far as your new Windows install is concerned, your previously installed programs no longer exist

You will need to redownload and install all the programs you had previously.

-Wolf sends

 

[jojo7758]

Programs that you installed with your previous installation of Windows will not work with your new install of Windows. Each program you install writes entries to the registry and when you installed Windows, fresh, a new registry was created. As far as your new Windows install is concerned, your previously installed programs no longer exist

You will need to redownload and install all the programs you had previously.

-Wolf sends

If I were to reinstall the previous programs, would it add up to my current usage?

 

[USAFRet]

If I were to reinstall the previous programs, would it add up to my current usage?

Ideally, you locate any personal files you wish to keep, copy that to some other drive, then wipe this HDD drive completely.
Then, install what you like.

That old stuff, incl the old OS, is just sitting there taking up space.

 

[Wolfshadw]

Ideally, you locate any personal files you wish to keep, copy that to some other drive, then wipe this HDD drive completely.
Then, install what you like.

That old stuff, incl the old OS, is just sitting there taking up space.

^^^ This

-Wolf sends

 

[jojo7758]

Ideally, you locate any personal files you wish to keep, copy that to some other drive, then wipe this HDD drive completely.
Then, install what you like.

That old stuff, incl the old OS, is just sitting there taking up space.

So are videos and pics that weren't backed up by one drive gone or unaccessible?

 

[Wolfshadw]

It's all still there, but installed programs will not run from that drive. Any other documents, media, etc... should be readily available.

-Wolf sends

 

[USAFRet]

So are videos and pics that weren't backed up by one drive gone or unaccessible?

They're still there.
You just need to find and copy them to elsewhere. Trying to surgically remove some of the old stuff (Windows and applications) while keeping your personal files and docs in place is a path to fail.

Move anything you wish to keep to elsewhere, then wipe that whole drive in one pass.

 

[jojo7758]

They're still there.
You just need to find and copy them to elsewhere. Trying to surgically remove some of the old stuff (Windows and applications) while keeping your personal files and docs in place is a path to fail.

Move anything you wish to keep to elsewhere, then wipe that whole drive in one pass.

Sorry another question, how would you go about in wiping the drive? Is it just formatting or is there another option?

 

[Wolfshadw]

Easiest option is just to format the drive after you've retrieved your data.

-Wolf sends