Solved New hard drive

[COOLER]

I want to replace my internal 1TB hard drive with a 1.5 TB, 7200rpm hard drive.
I'm running Vista Ultimate 64bit in my build.
Can I simply unplug my current hard drive, after backing up my programs to an external hard drive, and plug in my new hard drive and install Vista Ultimat 64 bit from my retail disc?
Than, after instalation of the OS and my saved programs, can I plug in the old internal hard drive and re-format it so I can use it as an internal storage drive devoid of any OS.
Thanks in advance.

 

[fieseler]

Yes & Yes.

I did the same, but have my old drive in an external caddy that i can keep switched off when im not using it.

You dont actually have to install the second drive after installing the O/S. I would just install the new drive when it arrives, keeping the old one in there (remembering to plug the new drive into the sata port number 1 and the old drive into sata port number 2).

Anyways, the advantages are especially useful if you need to do an emergency reformat. simply copy files/folders over that you want to back up.

 

[COOLER]

Hi and thanks.
Concerning my old drive I need an additional internal to store media projects on.
I have five external drives which are in the red; one drive is devoted to my software backups. I like the idea of a caddy, but at this time I really don't have the room.
Thanks for you're advice, especially plugging into the right SATA port.

 

[Lorien]

Pretty much as you outlined, though you may need to install drivers for the new HDD during the installation process if it's new and the disk doesn't have drivers for it.

You may have some issues with both drives having working operating systems when you first plug back the old one (possibly with permissions) if you decide not to format it, but I think it'll be fine (post if you run into problems and describe the problem and we'll find a way to get around it) and if you choose, you should be able to format it without problems from the working OS on the new drive if you want to do so.

You will need to reactivate Vista. Chances are it will do so fine with the automated process, but if not, just use the manual process (post if you need help with that).

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

 

[COOLER]

Thanks for the additional pointers.
I'm digesting everything and will work on it this weekend.

 

[Lorien]

Oh, and one more thing. If you do a clean install on the new drive as you plan, the only thing you'll be able to copy over from the backup will be the data - so be sure you make the right kind of backup. You will need to re-install the programs, reconfigure all the settings, install all the Vista and other program updates and service packs, reset your ISP and email settings (make sure you copy them down so you know what they are as getting to them on the old hard drive will be difficult without some major changes to how things are setup), and other things of a similar nature.

Good luck!

 

[COOLER]

Success!
Thank you for all you're advice. I replaced the HD and installed the OS without a problem. I'm still loading software, but all the major programs are up and running. I've decided to take you're advice and put my replaced HD in an external enclosure, I don't need it spinning when I'm not using it.
Thanks again.

 

[Lorien]

Excellent news. It was our pleasure - I'm glad we could help.

Thank you for the feedback - it is appreciated and will assist others who have the same questions.

I will request that this thread be marked as solved.

And welcome to Vista Forums! Now that you know where we are, bookmark the site and post anytime you have further questions or problems or if you just want to browse and learn (especially the Tutorial section offers some excellent advice on a wide variety of topics) or even if you want to try to help answer a question if you happen to see one where you know the answer and it hasn't already been posted. While it most likely won't be us the next time (though it might), there are many very skilled, experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly people here who, like us, volunteer their time to help others and one or maybe even several will respond to your post to assist you. While there are other forums on the web that do this sort of thing, you've now found what I think is the best (and I've posted in and/or checked out quite a few) so don't lose this link - you never know when it might come in handy again.

Good luck and best wishes.