old hdd, new build

manlyman

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May 17, 2013
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i recently built a new pc, my old build had a 1tb hdd in it, can i use it on my nw build?
will installing an os over the old os delete everything from the old one or will it cause an altercation of some sort?
do i need to wipe the hard drive before i switch it, or will installing windows do it for me is what im asking ? lol
 
Solution


For Win 10, read and do this before changing any parts, for the licensing/activation:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html


If it needs to be reinstalled (recommended), you can wipe the current data during the install.
During the process, select Custom.
You'll be presented with a list of all existing partitions.
Delete each one, leaving a large blank space.
Create a partition using the whole space, and continue. Letting Windows create what it needs.

R_1

Expert
Ambassador
First. Yes. do not expect it to boot without a new OS install.
Second. Maybe. depending on the OS it may allow saving the old data in a windows.old folder, or it may force a format of the drive. depends on the version OS being installed.
Third. during the installation of the OS, it will provide you the option to alter the drive. I suggest removing all partitions on the drive and letting the OS partition and format as it needs.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


All of what R_1 said, but which specific OS is this?
 

kraelic

Distinguished
Feb 12, 2006
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It will probably run by moving it over, and most likely ask to reactivate windows. But that will leave remnants of the old build, and new items like Wireless adapter #2, LAN #2 etc. If there is nothing of importance it is best to wipe the drive and reinstall the OS fresh. Windows 10 OEM is tied to the motherboard.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


"Probably" means 'sometimes' means 'prepare for it it fails massively'
And as we do not know which specific OS it is..."probably" just a guess.

I've seen it work, I've seen it fail completely.
Prepare for the fail.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


For Win 10, read and do this before changing any parts, for the licensing/activation:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html


If it needs to be reinstalled (recommended), you can wipe the current data during the install.
During the process, select Custom.
You'll be presented with a list of all existing partitions.
Delete each one, leaving a large blank space.
Create a partition using the whole space, and continue. Letting Windows create what it needs.
 
Solution

manlyman

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May 17, 2013
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so once i tie my account to the OS, i can then just install windows 10 froma usb onto thje hard drive, and it would remove everything from the old one and it would start over like new correct?
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


If you delete all the existing partitions, yes.
 

manlyman

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May 17, 2013
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ok thank you