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Question

Can I remove and reinstall 2nd HD easily?

Apr 24, 2012 4:53AM PDT

Hello,

I realize my question is going to be a bit vague, but I have a computer, windows XP SP3, that has a main HD (CHappy and a storage drive (GHappy. There's nothing on the storage drive other than misc. stuff like pictures taken, pdf files, work stuff etc. (no installed software).

If I were to remove this, can I just as easily reinsert it and have it work as before or do I need to do something special to ensure the G: drive is read again?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Maybe.
Apr 24, 2012 4:55AM PDT

But some do this and lose access to the drive contents. I'll skip all the scenarios why this happens but sure, if you have a backup copy of what you can't lose, you're ready.
Bob

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Answer
Yes, but...
Apr 24, 2012 4:57AM PDT

possibly a big but...

We don't know what your computer is. For example mine is a "Tools free" Desktop tower from Alienware. Tools free means all I have to do is shutdown, disconnect the power, remove the side panel, discharge myself of static, then unclip a couple of connections and pull the drive tray out. What makes it easier is that the drives are all SATA conventional and no SSDs to confuse the issue.

What computer is yours?

Mark

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Answer
computer specs.
Apr 24, 2012 5:24AM PDT

Hello and thanks for the help.

It's your run-of-the-mill E-Machine desktop. Nothing too fancy and removing would only require what you described Mark. I believe the HDs are SATA.

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Bingo. Scenario ONE. XP and SATA
Apr 24, 2012 5:33AM PDT

Those go missing all the time. Be sure you have what you can't lose on backups.
Bob