Will this process erase my files, NEW HDD

[guynexdoor]

I have XP on my seagate HDD, and I just added a WD HDD. The main HDD is my seagate.

I plan on copying/backing up files on the WD, while I reformat the Seagate...

Will I be able to access my files from the WD once I finish reformatting? Any special instructions or steps I need to take? I can currently drag and drop files on to the WD HDD.

Thanks.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

You need to clone data from the old HDD to the new HDD. Go to the WD website to download the HDD clone program. After cloning, shut down PC. Remove the old HDD and replace it with the new HDD. Now see if you can boot with the newly cloned HDD. If okay. Then shutdown PC and replace new HDD with old HDD. Zero fill the old HDD. Shut down PC. Swap the old HDD with the new HDD. Connect the old HDD. Reboot PC and format the old HDD.

 

[guynexdoor]

I don't want to clone the whole Seagate. I simply want to put files on the new WD and then be able to reformat the Seagate...while the WD is still in the computer.

Is that OK? or will I lose data?

 

[guynexdoor]

Almost like using the WD as an external HDD. except it's inside PC.

 

[JustaGeek]

1. Copy your files to WD.
2. Disconnect the WD.
3. Format the Seagate with Windows CD, install the OS.
4. Reconnect the WD and retrieve your files.

Good luck!

 

[guynexdoor]

That's it?

So I MUST disconnect the WDD correct?

 

[JustaGeek]

I have had a problem installing Windows with 2 SATA Hard Drives connected, that's why I would recommend installing the OS with only 1 Hard Drive connected to the MB.

The data will be waiting for you on the WD anyway...