Installing Windows on a new HDD

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of installing Windows on a new hard disk drive (HDD) while managing an existing drive that contains data. Participants explore various methods and sequences for installation and data transfer, considering potential risks and complications.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the safest method is to remove the old drive before installing Windows on the new drive to avoid accidental overwriting.
  • Another participant proposes a sequence involving formatting the new drive, transferring data from the old drive, deleting the old drive, and then installing Windows XP on the new drive, questioning if this would cause issues.
  • A later reply clarifies that installing XP would erase the new drive and outlines a different sequence for installation and data transfer, emphasizing the importance of removing the old drive initially.
  • There is a caution about leaving the old drive connected during the installation process, as it could lead to accidental data loss.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best approach to install Windows and manage data transfer, with no consensus reached on a single method. The discussion highlights various proposed sequences and the associated risks.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully agree on the implications of keeping the old drive connected during the installation process, and there are unresolved concerns about data management and installation sequences.

TSN79
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Just bought a new HDD. It's faster than my old one so I want to run Windows from it. Can I just install Windows on it without it causing trouble with the Windows version on my old drive?
 
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Safest way is to remove your old drive and install windows on the new one.
Then connect your old drive as a second drive, that way you can't accidentally overwrite it.
 
But I have data on the old drive which I eventually want to transfer to the new one. Is this possible;
1) Format new drive
2) Transfer data to new drive
3) Delete old drive
4) Install XP on new drive

Will this cause me trouble?
 
Yes, the install XP part will erase the new drive.
The correct sequence is :
1, Remove old drive - put safely away
2, Insert new drive and install windows
3, Put old drive in as 2nd drive (check jumpers if it's an IDE ) and configure bios
4, Start windows and copy data from drive D: (or E:) to your new drive C:
5, Remove old drive or keep it as a backup

You could skip 1, and leave the old drive in place as the second drive while you do this - but it does invite a visit from Mr Oops!
 

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