Using Old Hd In New System

Hi, I'm building a new system and I was wondering if I can use my current HD with Windows installed on it as a secondary non-boot storage drive. To clarify I want to keep it as is and not have to format, clone etc. Also if I can, do they both need to have the same OS installed?

 

i don't see why not. i have done that for myself in the past. you might want to install the OS on the primary drive first, then install that secondary hard drive in your computer. otherwise, there is a chance that the OS install program could get confused where it needs to go, ie: upgrade vs new. if the new OS is newer than the OS on the 2nd drive, there should be no problem reading and writing to the 2nd drive. good luck with it.

 

If the present system is an MBR system you will need to set up the new disk as MBR too, rather than the current GPT standard, otherwise the new disk won't be recognised . And what is the point of retaining the current Windows installation if it is to be non-bootable? Your licence allows for a single instance of Windows btw so you might run into activation issues at some point.

 

I should have added that it's essential to disconnect the old drive before installing Windows on the new one Then set the BIOS boot order to boot the new drive before the old.

 

Thank for the replies guys. As for the reason to want to keep the HD as is: I have a lot of data on it and the new SSD I'm installing the OS on is only 128GB and I have 1TB of data on the old one.

 

I am doing as you suggest now and more.. I am lucky to have an a large case with multi- drive/ port capabilities.
i a running a 240 gb ssd with 3 boot partitions with different options. The original hdd is using the 2nd sata cable. Have had the 3rd populated before, but not at the moment. On the front panel I have a 16 or 32 gb usb usually, along with a choice of 450/1t externals along with an I phone. Usb in the rear handle the lite stuff (mouse,keyboard and wifi) at the present.

In your situation if possible, I would obtain a new internal hd for your data/ personal file type stuff and maybe even as 1 source for recent images. And if internal ports support it then install your original hd as needed to get files off of it. If not enough ports inside, then a caddy to mount it in and use as a usb external.

My drives and OS's have never gotten confused as to where to boot from or any other symptom of a problem. I do put a text file in the root of a drive just in case I ever forget or get confused. Such as ...... 7#1. or Data_1st 450g or Saver1