Using Old HDDs

[Kahn]

So I'll be building a new PC, and I want to use the HDDs I have now without losing the stuff on them. Will they have to be formated? Or can I just leave them out of the PC, Install the OS on the SSD and then put them in afterwards? Thanks for any halp :3

[The Grapist]

No, you can plug them in at any time and use them and the contents on it. Just be careful if you're installing windows on a drive not to wipe them on accident.

If you install THEN plug the drives in you will also be fine. Either way, just remove the old Windows installation folder so it doesn't try to boot into that install. Also make sure the bios is set to NOT boot off that drive.

[Kahn]

Originally posted by Viceroy:

No, you can plug them in at any time and use them and the contents on it. Just be careful if you're installing windows on a drive not to wipe them on accident.

If you install THEN plug the drives in you will also be fine. Either way, just remove the old Windows installation folder so it doesn't try to boot into that install. Also make sure the bios is set to NOT boot off that drive.

I have my current OS on an SSD so I'm guessing I don't have to worry about deleting any windows files off the HDDs? Sorry I should've mentioned that :/

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Leave extra drives disconnected, install OS to your SSD.
Once the OS is installed, power down and connect those extra drives.
Power on and then verify the boot options listing in the BIOS that it is still just set to boot from your SSD only.

[Kahn]

Originally posted by Bad-Motha:

Leave extra drives disconnected, install OS to your SSD.
Once the OS is installed, power down and connect those extra drives.
Power on and then verify the boot options listing in the BIOS that it is still just set to boot from your SSD only.

Thanks guys! I'll keep that in mind when building :)