Question Faulty HDD built in a new pc

[Zariono]

So I have just built my new pc and was wondering if I can install my old HDD which has the boot problem "an operating system wasn't found". Windows will be installed on an SSD so I was wondering if I can also format the HDD while installing windows.

 

[Mtop]

I usually wait until the OS is installed to add old disk to copy and reformat, Sometimes boot info is left on the disk and can cause problems.
Install it completely and leave off the power connector, then plug in and reformat after OS.

 

[Zariono]

I usually wait until the OS is installed to add old disk to copy and reformat, Sometimes boot info is left on the disk and can cause problems.
Install it completely and leave off the power connector, then plug in and reformat after OS.

Wouldn't it show the same boot message error then? Or does it get recognised while the pc is on and I can just format it then(after the os is installed)