Moving my HDD to my new build

[AEROEngineer]

I am in the process of ordering parts for a new build and was planning on using the same HDD (used for both storage and Windows) that I'm currently using for the new one to save a little bit of money. I wanted to know what steps were necessary to make sure the switch will work properly. Will I need to do anything with all my files, docs, vids, etc.? I'm already aware that programs, applications, games, and Windows will require redownloading/reinstalling, but I'm still unaware of how to proceed with the switch.

Thanks in advance

 

[gooberm]

You CAN just transplant it but you will need to run a windows repair with the install media since Windows is configured to the hardware it was installed on. It might save you a lot of headaches to back up your important files and do a fresh install though.

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

I agree, a fresh Windows install is the best policy, especially if it's pre-Windows 10, otherwise you'll get all sorts of problems further down the road.

 

[ArtPog]

Assuming that your "old" HDD contains a viable OS, i.e., it's non-defective, bootable, and functional, it's conceivable that you can install that disk in your new build and it will boot & function just fine in that new system.

We'll also assume that BOTH the old & new PCs are non-OEM machines and BOTH PCs are either Intel-based or AMD-based systems. (There's a chance that if the old PC is a OEM machine the transfer of the HDD from that PC to your new "generic" build may also be viable).

Obviously there are no guarantees here but it's worth a shot. There's little (actually *nothing*) to lose.

So if by undertaking this transfer you're fortunate enough to gain a bootable, functional system as a result, you will, of course have all your programs, personal data, etc. available without going through that rather onerous task of installing a new system.

Obviously you may have to install different drivers of one type or another in the new system but of course these will be available from your new motherboard's driver installation CD. And you may be pleasantly surprised at Windows (Microsoft's) ability to pick up & install whatever drivers are necessary for your new installation without user intervention.

We've undertaken successful transfers of the type described many times and we nearly always undertake this option when circumstances permit, i.e. the criteria I mentioned above are met. We generally prefer to clone the contents of the drive to be transferred prior to the transfer operation as a precautionary move so that we have a comprehensive backup of all its data. I would encourage you to do the same assuming you have another disk to serve as the recipient of the cloned contents.

And you do understand that you will need a new license for the new system. I'm assuming, of course, that your new system will contain a new motherboard.

If you do decide to effect this transfer as described above please let us know if it was successful or not and provide detailed info re the components of the two systems involved.