Can I put a HDD with stuff on it, (no OS), into a new PC?

[unparagon]

Is it possible to put an old backup* HDD ,(without an OS), into a new PC? Or does it need to be reformatted regardless of whether Windows has been installed or not? (Naturallly the HDD is compatible with the new motherboard).

*No important system files etc...

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

A drive has to be formatted to be put into a system. However, if the drive was already in use, then it is already formatted, so you can use it in another computer. So, yes, you can use the drive with the old data in your machine.

 

[unparagon]

Great, that's so cool. Second best piece of news I've heard all day- thanks alot!

 

[Bozo Galora]

if you have a primary part on it, this will screw up all drive letters and no prog associations will work
Primaries get letters asigned first, then logicals

 

[McCarthy]

You can change the drive letter assignment if that proves to be a problem.

No formatting needed. If you're not sure about something ask before doing it. Losing a HD worth of data is high up on the list of things that really bite.

Not knowing your level of computer hardware experience I just want to make sure you're aware of the Master/Slave arrangment of PATA devices. There are two channels per controller - in the old days one would be set as master and one as slave. Now many devices are set to automatically assign so no jumpers have to be changed, though how this works in the real world varies. If you put your old drive in on the same cable (thereby the same controller, but using the second channel) and things don't work, take it back out and look up the jumper settings on the manufacturer websites. Make sure to note how things are currently set before making any changes so you can always go back to what was working.

If you do run into problems and can't figure out just what to do check back in. Let us know you got it working, and welcome to the boards (a week delayed).