My old computer has died, but its secondary hard drive still works. I'm building a new Windows 11 computer and want to install that same drive as a secondary storage drive, with no operating system or boot files on it. Can I simply remove the HDD from the old machine, mount it in the new case, and connect it? Do I need to change anything in the BIOS, such as registering the drive or adjusting the boot order? Is there anything else I should check before doing this?
3 Answers
The files should be accessible as long as the drive is healthy and uses a file system Windows can read. However, applications installed on that drive may not work normally after the move because Windows may no longer have the same registry entries or paths. Also, don’t format or initialize the disk if Windows prompts you to do so unless you’re certain you no longer need the data.
Make sure the new case actually has a suitable mounting point for a 3.5-inch HDD, and check that you have a SATA data cable available. Use the power cable supplied with the new power supply rather than reusing modular cables from the old PSU, since those cables may not be wired the same way.
For a drive that only contains data, it should be almost plug-and-play. Mount it, connect the SATA data cable and power, then start Windows. You probably won’t need to change anything in the BIOS. If the computer unexpectedly tries to boot from it, just move your new system drive to the top of the boot order.
That’s exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks!
The new case has a drive mount, and I’ll use the cables from the new power supply. Appreciate the warning.