[SOLVED] upgrading non OS data drive in laptop advice

[00gannonj]

Hi,
I am upgrading my data drive (1tb 2.5' hdd) in my laptop to a 2tb 2.5' hdd. Windows is on the ssd m.2 so that is not an issue, its just for storage. Can I just attach via usb, copy and paste and then insert the drive or will this lead to problems? Is cloning neccessary?
Any advice much appreciated.

 

[logainofhades]

As it is just a storage drive, you can just copy and paste your data, to the new, and freshly formatted, drive, via a USB device that is capable of hooking up to your current HDD.

 

[00gannonj]

Thanks,
In the near future I will also be upgrading my ssd, am I correct in thinking the best way is:
remove both ssd and hdd, insert new ssd only, install windows fresh from usb to ssd, then re-insert data drive?

 

[logainofhades]

That would probably be the safe bet, so you don't accidentally install windows on the wrong drive.