Question Installing an HDD into a computer that already has an SSD for the OS ?

[Smellybandaid]

Heya. So I've never installed an HDD into a computer that already has an SSD in it, I load the OS off the SSD.

Is it just plug and play? Connect the SATA + power cables to the HDD?

 

[COLGeek]

Heya. So I've never installed a HDD into a computer that already has an SSD in it, I load the OS off the SDD.

Is it just plug and play? Connect the SATA + power to the HDD?

Pretty much, yes. You'll have to format it for your system to use afterward.

 

[Smellybandaid]

So, I'll lose all the data on it?

 

[COLGeek]

So, I'll lose all the data on it?

What data is on it now?

I assumed you were installing a new HDD (as in unused).

If this a bootable HDD from a previous system, you have to make sure that your proper default boot device is set in your BIOS.

 

[Smellybandaid]

It has a lot of data on it.. the main program I'm worried about is CAD, the end-user is an architect.

 

[Smellybandaid]

It's a HDD from a previous system, yeah. And I'm not sure which OS it is, I'm thinking 7.

 

[COLGeek]

It has a lot of data on it.. the main program I'm worried about is CAD, the end-user is an architect.

That application is not going to work (or any of them for that matter) if it was installed on the HDD with a previous installation of Windows.

This is a more complex topic than just installing a HDD, as I am sure you now understand.

 

[COLGeek]

Lets drop back and figure out what you have here.

What are the specs for your current system (make/model of all components and version of Windows)?

What were the specs for the old system, if you know, that the HDD came out of?

Do you have the installation media of whatever applications are on the HDD that you actually want to use?

 

[Smellybandaid]

New system:

Ryzen 5 1600x, old Zotiac GPU (don't remember specs), 16gb RAM, Prime B350-Plus mobo, and Windows 10.

Old PC was an HP Pavilion, I do not have the specs on hand at the moment.

 

[COLGeek]

You really need to not assume you can boot that old HDD and run those apps from the previous installation.

If you have the installation media, you can install the apps so that (your current) Windows will know how to run them properly. You should be able to save any saved documents/files from the old HDD before wiping it for current use.

 

[Moonstick2]

Or even further, let's drop back to what you want to do? (Good old XY again...)

If it's transfer the CAD program from the old computer's HDD to the new computer somehow, really you need the installation media. What CAD program and what version? It may be something where you can download the installation and use the existing licence/serial number, for example.

Or is it just the data that's the issue?

Explain clearly what the actual original thing is that you're wanting to do, rather than asking how to do what you think the solution is.

So far it seems there's an old computer being replaced by a new computer...so what else is needing to be done?

 

[Smellybandaid]

End-user says that they have the important files backed up. Is it possible to install old HDD into new setup, format, then proceed with installation?

 

[Moonstick2]

End-user says that they have the important files backed up. Is it possible to install old HDD into new setup, format, then proceed with installation?

Again, what exactly are you trying to do? Install what and how?

Can you put the HDD in the new computer, format it and then place data on it, install new programs on it...? Yes, you can. Whether that's what should be done depends on what the actual intention is.

I'm also confused about your role in this. There's this end user with a new PC for professional purposes, and you're the one tasked with working on it when you're not even sure how to install an HDD...?

 

[Smellybandaid]

I'm learning, and this is for a family member. Yes, I am tasked with helping them.

The SSD I already installed is only 128gb, I wanted to provide more storage, than just the SSD.

The old HDD came out of their old tower. I know how to format a drive, etc already.

All the files have been backed up on a external, end-user stated that they don't need more than the 128gb of storage, so there is no reason to install another HDD.

Thanks to all that had constructive criticism.

Can close this thread, do apologize if I gave you a headache.

 

[Moonstick2]

Provided the end-user is 100% sure that there's nothing on the HDD that they want, there's no problem simply installing it in the computer, formatting it and using it. The only problem is if the computer tries to boot from it when it's first put in, but if it does, just use the BIOS boot menu to boot from the SSD.

Triple-check it's the HDD that you're formatting before hitting go.

128 GB isn't that much at all these days., especially with CAD programs and associated data. My C: drive here (which includes CAD among other things) contains 160 GB. SSDs start to perform poorly when almost full (like 90 - 95%, some will say 75%+) . If the HDD has at least as much space as the SSD it's worth installing it. If nothing else it can be used to hold a system image if (when!) they want to upgrade the SSD to a larger size.