I recently had my dad install a new hard drive in my old PC, trying to enhance its performance since I'm getting into 3D modeling. However, I'm facing several annoying issues that make me think something else has changed beyond just the hard drive. First, I couldn't access an important folder after he transferred my files, which he fixed, but it set off some alarms. Now, everything feels different! The Windows start menu isn't the same, I can't put my taskbar into dark mode as before, and there are various quirks with the applications that used to work fine. My Discord download turned corrupt, and I'm getting errors with other programs that I previously had no trouble installing. I suspect my operating system might not be the same version as before. My dad insists everything's identical, but issues like the high CPU usage, program crashes, and .NET Framework requirements are making it clear something's off with my setup. I really need help figuring this out before I invest in a new PC!
5 Answers
It sounds like your dad might have set up a new operating system along with the new hard drive, even if he didn't mean to. Transferring files doesn't guarantee they’ll run the same. You may have a different version of Windows that could be outdated, and that’s likely causing all the issues with your programs.
Totally understand the frustration. If you're willing to try something different, reinstalling Linux could be a fun project! Just remember, though, if you want everything to work seamlessly, a clean install of your current operating system is likely the best bet.
Honestly, if you’re experiencing all these compatibility issues, a clean install of Windows 11 will likely solve most of your problems. Here’s a guide you can follow for a clean installation: [Clean Install Guide](https://rtech.support/installations/install-11/). Also, be careful about using Linux as a temporary solution; it has its own learning curve. Just be sure to backup your data before making any changes!
To be clear, the new hard drive increases storage but doesn't affect memory (RAM). If you’re still using your old RAM, that part's unchanged. If your PC is compatible, upgrading to Windows 11 is free, and that could solve a lot of problems! Also, don't forget to consider an SSD next time for better performance overall.
With the taskbar changes, it might be that you’re on Windows 11 now. If you’re unsure which version you have, use the same command – "winver" should tell you exactly what’s going on. If it’s really outdated, a fresh installation of Windows 11 could be the way to go!
Ugh, I hope that's not the case! I can't afford to upgrade right now, but I will check it out.
Yeah, I think he may have installed an older image of Windows 10, which could definitely mess with program compatibility. You should check the version by pressing Win+R and typing "winver".