[SOLVED] How to use my old HDD in a new set-up?

Patryk_12

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Jun 13, 2017
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What do i have to do and is it even possible to be able to use my old 2TB HDD in my new set up as i don't want to waste money on a new HDD as it seems stupid to do so.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
If i clean everything from the physical disk and just insert it into my new pc will it be fine?
You don't have to clean it before...just as you boot up and install the new OS.

Assuming Windows 10:

And who knows...you might get lucky, and a clean install is not needed.
That is luck, though.

Also, this:
For the OS activation, read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/windows-build-1607-and-activation.2786960/
 

Patryk_12

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Jun 13, 2017
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You don't have to clean it before...just as you boot up and install the new OS.

Assuming Windows 10:

And who knows...you might get lucky, and a clean install is not needed.
That is luck, though.

Also, this:
For the OS activation, read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/windows-build-1607-and-activation.2786960/
Is this going to require me to have the activation key for windows or can i just do the usb method?
 

Patryk_12

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Jun 13, 2017
164
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You don't have to clean it before...just as you boot up and install the new OS.

Assuming Windows 10:

And who knows...you might get lucky, and a clean install is not needed.
That is luck, though.

Also, this:
For the OS activation, read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/windows-build-1607-and-activation.2786960/
Im also going to be buying a new SSD on which i will put my windows 10. What happens if i already have windows 10 on that SSD and then i place my HDD into my computer which has a windows 7 on it
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Im also going to be buying a new SSD on which i will put my windows 10. What happens if i already have windows 10 on that SSD and then i place my HDD into my computer which has a windows 7 on it
Assuming you go through the steps outlined in the Activation links, and assuming your clean OS install on the new SSD is running and activated, and assuming the boot order is correct in the BIOS...

Your system will boot fromt he SSD and not from the old HDD.
In which case you can wipe all partitions on that old drive, and use it as desired.
 

Patryk_12

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Jun 13, 2017
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Assuming you go through the steps outlined in the Activation links, and assuming your clean OS install on the new SSD is running and activated, and assuming the boot order is correct in the BIOS...

Your system will boot fromt he SSD and not from the old HDD.
In which case you can wipe all partitions on that old drive, and use it as desired.
I'm not planning to use an activation key for some time on that windows :/ is there any other way to still use my hdd without taking risks?
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
So i guess it's more simple than it seems, all i have to do is install windows on the new computer on the SSD, then i just connect my old HDD and clean it?
Pretty much, yes.

You may need to delve into the commandline function diskpart, and the /clean command to fully wipe that old HDD.
 

Patryk_12

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Jun 13, 2017
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Pretty much, yes.

You may need to delve into the commandline function diskpart, and the /clean command to fully wipe that old HDD.
Okay so could you please write me a few simple steps on how to do this please, i do not want to mess anything up and i see that you are very knowledgeable and experienced.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Solution