[SOLVED] Mixing storage from two used computers

[Coryn94]

Hi

I bought a used pc and am now wondering how I should set this up without breaking anything.

What I have taken out of my old pc is 256gb Samsung 860 EVO with Win 10 installed and my own programmes.

What is in the new pc is a Crucial CT1000MX 1TB SSD which has been formatted but apparently has Win 10 PRO on it.

Can I put my old SSD in the pc and just boot up windows on there and put my games on the 1tb SSD?
Should I ditch the 256gb and go for a fresh install on the 1tb SSD?
Can I even use both in one system?

Thanks for your help, scared to do something wrong.

 

[rgd1101]

so you are building a new system? fresh os install
256 gb is ok for OS. might use it for secondary storage

 

[USAFRet]

Moving the drive+OS from your old system to this new one often fails.
Three basic possible outcomes:

1. It works just fine
2. It fails completely
3. It "works", but you're chasing issues for weeks/months

#1 is the least likely to occur.

Full wipe and reinstall on the 1TB Crucial. Wipe out everything of the previous owner.
Later, connect the 860 EVO, and also wipe it clean...all partitions.

How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial

If you are looking for the Windows 11 Clean install tutorial, you can find that here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here) Otherwise, welcome to the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows...

forums.tomshardware.com

 

[Coryn94]

so you are building a new system? fresh os install
256 gb is ok for OS. might use it for secondary storage

Well I would be using the used pc but not sure which SSD to use.

 

[USAFRet]

Well I would be using the used pc but not sure which SSD to use.

1TB Crucial. Again...a full wipe and reinstall.

Add the 860 later if desired.

 

[Coryn94]

Moving the drive+OS from your old system to this new one often fails.
Three basic possible outcomes:

1. It works just fine
2. It fails completely
3. It "works", but you're chasing issues for weeks/months

#1 is the least likely to occur.

Full wipe and reinstall on the 1TB Crucial. Wipe out everything of the previous owner.
Later, connect the 860 EVO, and also wipe it clean...all partitions.

How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial

If you are looking for the Windows 11 Clean install tutorial, you can find that here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here) Otherwise, welcome to the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows...

forums.tomshardware.com

Then I guess using the 1tb one is the way to go. I have enough with 1TB to be fair. However im unsure how exactly, the owner said win 10 pro is included and ready for installation. Should I ask him for the Windows key ?

 

[USAFRet]

Then I guess using the 1tb one is the way to go. I have enough with 1TB to be fair. However im unsure how exactly, the owner said win 10 pro is included and ready for installation. Should I ask him for the Windows key ?

You should absolutely get the license key.
In fact, that is a required condition of this sale. The seller is required to give that to you, per Windows licensing terms.

Having said that, a fresh install on this system will almost certainly activate itself.

Resist the urge to just start using it with the current OS install. You have no idea what the previous users had in there.
This is like walking down the street, some random person handing you a sandwich, and you taking a big bite from it. You have no idea whats in it.

Full wipe and reinstall.

 

[Coryn94]

You should absolutely get the license key.
In fact, that is a required condition of this sale. The seller is required to give that to you, per Windows licensing terms.

Having said that, a fresh install on this system will almost certainly activate itself.

Resist the urge to just start using it with the current OS install. You have no idea what the previous users had in there.
This is like walking down the street, some random person handing you a sandwich, and you taking a big bite from it. You have no idea whats in it.

Full wipe and reinstall.

The owner said he formatted the SSD himself so I guess I’ll be going in from zero. I can only start up the system on friday as I am currently on holiday.

Good point about the key though. I doubt I will even be able to start formatting the pc without the key itself.

Your help has been awesome by the way.

 

[USAFRet]

The owner said he formatted the SSD himself so I guess I’ll be going in from zero. I can only start up the system on friday as I am currently on holiday.

Good point about the key though. I doubt I will even be able to start formatting the pc without the key itself.

Your help has been awesome by the way.

Even if the previous owner said he did it 5 minutes ago...I would still do it myself. You really have no idea what he used for this install.

Trust, but verify.


And a clean install on this same hardware should incur no license issues, and it should just activate itself.
But have him give you that documentation anyway.