Installing new boot drive

[ExPFC Wintergreen]

I just completed my first build a couple weeks ago (thanks in large part to these forums!) Now I want to change the boot drive from a 7200 Barracuda to a Raptor. This should be simple, I'd just like someone to verify that I'm not overlooking something important. So the plan is simply to disconnect the current drive (SATA), connect the new drive and install Windows (Vista Home Premium) onto it. Then after I set it to boot from the Raptor, I can reconnect the old drive and access all my current files, right? Also I originally had SATA set to IDE mode, so can I can change it to AHCI mode now without any problems?

Thanks!

 

[Sensai]

you could do that, it may come up with an OS selection b/c of two master boot records not knowing which one is the primary.

 

[ExPFC Wintergreen]

Hmm, so how do I get around that? It's not sufficient just to set in the BIOS to boot from the new drive? Sorry, I'm not very experienced, especially with things like operating systems.

 

[Trashman]

your way will work.

"AHCI mode now without any problems? "
you may need to put those drivers on floppy and hit F-6 to load them before windows setup. Just watch for prompt on screen to load drivers

edit---> also, i have yet to use Vista so screens and F-6 may be a tad different, just look for your drive and install drivers.

you may not need to load driver for Vista, taken from ASUS website:

AHCI function can be enabled if under VISTA with VISTA built in driver

 

[ExPFC Wintergreen]

Okay, thanks for your replies!