Le_Murphant Posted August 7, 2008 CID Share Posted August 7, 2008 I would like to reinstall xp and I happen to have two hard drive, one of which is empty. I was wondering if I can just install windows on my unused hard drive and then plug in my used hard drive and transfer the files. Can a hard drive with windows installed on it be used as if it were an external hard drive if it is plugged directly in the mobo sata port? How about if I plug it into an external hard drive enclosure? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudmanc4 Posted August 7, 2008 CID Share Posted August 7, 2008 If you have a network, just make the hard drive shared and you'll be able to copy the files to the new drive with drag and drop. Without a network, you can install the old hard drive in your new computer, and just access the files on it as your D: drive. edit, you really don't want to just copy everything, because there's probably a ton of junk on there you can't see, screwed up left over registry crap and such. Just keep the things you have to , then wipe the other drive , and use it until you think it's going bad, unless this is the whole reason your doing this. There are programs out there that will " clone " your HDD, but hey, I wouldn't do it unless it was a fairly new drive , w/ hardly anything on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlewis23 Posted August 7, 2008 CID Share Posted August 7, 2008 Yes you can do that. But pull the drive out with your current windows install before you do the new install. This way a new MBR wont be written with 2 OS's. After the install is done, and you put some virus software on the new install plug the second drive in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.