Question about re-installing windows

Oblivion · 11 Jan 2009 at 02:12

Hi,

I have a primary HD and a secondary HD - (secondary HD has lots of music on it and films etc that i wouldnt want to lose), can i format and reinstall windows on the primary and not have to do anything to the seconday, so i can keep all my media... Basically after the reinstall of windows on the primary will it recognise the secondary no problem right away?

Hope that makes sense, and thank you!

ConnectionFX · 11 Jan 2009 at 02:20

in theory yes thats how it works, assuming windows is C and other drive is D you would format the C partition and re-install windows on it. take care not to format the wrong drive (done that before)

another thing to consider is making sure the disk are set to basic format as you can have problems after a install and windows wont recognise the drive. if this happens you will have to convert the disk to basic after the format and you will loose your data.

ChrisLX200 · 11 Jan 2009 at 02:28

The best option is to un-plug the second drive then there is no chance of making a mistake. Install Windows on your original disk (just use the option to delete existing partition first so you get a clean install). Make sure Windows boots OK, then shut down and reconnect your second disk.

chainy · 11 Jan 2009 at 23:03

ChrisLX200 said:
The best option is to un-plug the second drive then there is no chance of making a mistake. Install Windows on your original disk (just use the option to delete existing partition first so you get a clean install). Make sure Windows boots OK, then shut down and reconnect your second disk.

What he said. Unplug your storage drive just to make sure you dont select the wrong one when installing the OS. Never hurts to be too careful.