Old HDD New PC

[justyocchio]

So I want to build a new PC but I don't want to lose all my files and I need some help.

If there is a way for me to use the old HDD on a new PC instead of having to wipe the HDD that's what I want. However, on past research, I haven't been able to find a way to do so. So my backup idea:

I currently have 2 extras HDDs and 1 that has windows 10 on it. Is it possible for me to use the HDD that has windows 10 on it as another extra HDD and still be able to launch my programs? Or would it not allow me to?

Basically what I want to do is get a new PC and new storage, maybe an SSD, and then use my old HDD as an extra HDD so i don't have to reinstall anything again.

Thanks for the help.

 

[jason201]

No, you absolutely cannot use your HDD as-is on the new build (for operating system use) as it'd simply fail to boot up!.
You're gonna have to install the operating system from scratch (this however has nothing to do with your existing data)
Anyhow, to put it simple:

If it's gonna be the only HDD in your new computer build - Definitely backup all of your data ahead of time, to either an external hard drive, cloud backup service, or both.

If you plan on using this HDD as secondary (purely for data storage/accessing old data) and it'd have another, new HDD/SSD (for OS use) - First install the operating system, and only after you're done, physically connect the said HDD (you can connect it internally if you know what you're doing, or alternatively, you could get an external drive enclosure, preferably one that supports USB 3.0, and then use it as an external HDD).

 

[USAFRet]

Is it possible for me to use the HDD that has windows 10 on it as another extra HDD and still be able to launch my programs? Or would it not allow me to?

No, that won't work.
You can't run those old applications that exist on that drive.

 

[velocityg4]

Backup: You do have one right? A 4TB external isn't that expensive anymore. You should always have a backup. Doubly so if you are going to start juggling data.

OS: Whichever HDD you use. You are going to want to wipe the drive or Windows partition and perform a clean install. You can try to just plug in the drive and use it. It'll probably boot if going Intel to Intel or AMD to AMD. In my experience you'll spend many more hours trying to track down problems then if you just did a clean install.

Programs: Hardly any software is portable. Mostly just little freeware utilities or obscure business software you've probably never heard of is portable. You will have to reinstall your software on a new OS.

Get everything in order before you move. You don't want any old OS installs sitting around in the new computer. It's best to prep your data so that you don't have to deal with file/folder ownership and permissions.
- Choose a file storage hard drive. Wipe it then move all your documents, media, installers and any other files you want available on your new computer to that drive. If everything won't fit on one of those two drives. Figure out how to juggle your data around so that you can wipe both of those extra drives you have and fill them up with files.
- In your new computer install that SSD you plan on. Then install Windows 10. Set the BIOS for UEFI only. You don't want to accidentally install Windows in Legacy mode. If you decide to use the boot drive from the old computer. You can wipe it and install Windows 10. Separate OS/Data partitions are preferable. You moved all your files to the other hard drives, right?
- Connect you data hard drive/hard drives. Now you have access to your files.
- Reinstall your software and change settings as you like. Sort your files to optimize access. Set locations of user folders like Music, Videos, Pictures to your hard drives or wherever you want. It's a better practice to keep those folders away from the boot drive/partition. If using and SSD you don't want them wasting valuable space.

Old Computer: If you decided to use an SSD in your new computer. I'd say now is a good time to wipe your old computer and do a clean install. Then you can repurpose it, give it to someone, resell it or donate it. If you don't keep it. I recommend doing a 3-pass wipe at a minimum with Darik's Boot and Nuke. If it won't run try Hiren's Boot CD parted magic boot option.

 

[dontlistentome]

Windows, when it installs, needs to configure itself to use whatever hardware you have. This is not so much a problem when moving from hard drive to SSD, because the computer itself is the same.

In your case, all the important hardware will be new. So this is definitely one time you need to do a clean installation of Windows. This means reinstalling all your programs too.

Once you do that, then you can decide what to do with your old Windows/programs/data drive. I usually just delete everything except my data. Then you can use that drive as a secondary data drive, it already has your old data and now it has more room for new data.