Transferring Data

[Rioisbeast]

Hey guys Im about to build my first system and I am not sure about the best way to get all of my old files onto my new HDD. I have an OEM version of windows 7 on my old HDD so that will be staying with the old computer. I have a new WD caviar black with a new copy of windows 8. What is the best way to go about taking all of my old files and getting them on to a new blank HDD with a new OS.

 

[geofelt]

Use windows easy transfer to export your files and settings.
Preferably to an external device like a usb attached hard drive. If you value your data, backup to such a device is one good way to protect it.
A USB 3.0 device goes quickly.
If you have space on your current hard drive, you can export things there.
After windows 8 is installed, you can temporarily attach your old hard drive to the new pc.
Then, after you install windows 8 on your new pc, you can again use windows easy transfer to import all or some of your files and settings.
Programs will need to be reinstalled.

 

[Rioisbeast]

If I do the method of just attaching my old hard drive to my new pc do i need to export anything before I do it as I only have the single hard drive in my old machine.

 

[geofelt]

If I do the method of just attaching my old hard drive to my new pc do i need to export anything before I do it as I only have the single hard drive in my old machine.

Yes, assuming you have space, exporting to your old hard drive will prepare a file to later import when you temporatily mount it on the new pc. If you don't have room, you will then have to find all of your files and settings yourself.

If you don't have an external backup device, now might be an opportune time to get one.