Reusing SSD from previous build
Posted by Lazaruszs@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 5 comments
I'm upgrading almost my entire build except for the GPU and an SSD. I've purchased everything else, including the CPU, RAM, motherboard, power supply, AIO fan, and another SSD. I want to keep the data on my current SSD and install a fresh copy of windows on the new one while still using my old one as a secondary drive. What's the process of doing that? Is it as simple as getting everything setup with the new SSD, and then plugging in the old one? Will the windows files on the old one cause issues?
Trying to get this sorted out before parts come in, I have important data that I do not want to lose. I'll be backing it up anyways but I'd still like to avoid any problems.
t90fan@reddit
If it's bitlocker encrypted make sure you know your recovery key because the main key will be in your old CPU
jhaluska@reddit
It's tough and a bit risky to reinstall without losing data. I'd get a USB thumb drive and just copy the critical files over first. Can even copy them to your phone if you have enough space.
ChronoZaga@reddit
The windows files on the old one should not cause an issue as long as it’s not the boot drive. It may be a little confusing at first when you see the drive because it’s got a Windows directory, but just disregard it or delete it.
Front_Society1353@reddit
Buy a USB drive copy what you want over format your SSD copy back
pho-huck@reddit
You want to pull off all documents, music, pics, movies, etc from the old drive, and reformat it. You won’t want to keep the windows image saved on it, because your system may try to boot to it, and also windows takes up a lot of space and creates partitions only needed for use with a boot drive. Wipe the drive and put your saved data back on it.