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Question

Convert older HD into external HD

Feb 25, 2016 3:47PM PST

I want to convert older, dead-desktop, Win 7 32-bit to external drive to use on my current Win 7 64-bit desktop. SATA. I actually only need docs and pics from the old HD; but I would gladly use the old Win 7 32-bit cuz I have very old Photoshop and Pagemaker that will not work on 64-bit (but can use in virtual XP). Am I likely to be able to run the old Win 7 32-bit on the current PC? Will having Win 7 32-bit on the old, converted HD make it impossible to access pics and docs? Thank you so much. I am really in a quandary. (The old PC has a power problem, so cannot crank it up.)

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Unlikely.
Feb 25, 2016 4:12PM PST

But you could get your files out using a Linux distro.
Dafydd.

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Thanks
Feb 25, 2016 5:31PM PST

but I don't want to get into any new software. I have enuf problems.

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Answer
Keeping it simple.
Feb 25, 2016 4:16PM PST

Put the drive into the new case, and plug it in. Most of the time you can access your old files.

Programs however do not transfer like that. You'll need to install them like you did the last time.

Finally I have to write NO. Windows 7 does not currently boot and run from USB and to import it into a virtual machine is very complicated with many steps (doesn't fit here.)

-> About your old 32 bit apps. You could reveal exact versions and hope members find prior discussions where folk got them to install and work.

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The apps
Feb 25, 2016 5:28PM PST

Photoshop 5 and Pagemaker 6.5

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Folk claim Pagemaker 6.5 runs on W7
Feb 25, 2016 5:44PM PST
https://forums.adobe.com/thread/520836?tstart=0 and other posts are out there. HOWEVER I find a lot of folk do not want to tinker like that. So for them the answer is no. There are many variables to get this to work. One person's fix may not work on the next PC.

Didn't 6.5 debut in 1988?
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Both run on Win 7 but
Feb 25, 2016 11:44PM PST

they do not even load to Win 7 64-bit. The old computer was Win 7 32-bit.

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Answer
also if win7 came with old computer
Feb 25, 2016 4:19PM PST

if win7 came with old computer, it can never be transfer to another - even if run from old drive. even if it were legit, different computers, different motherboard, different drivers.

You can get a cable to connect the drive to a usb port on the computer (usb to sata adapter) or you can get an external case. Personally I use an external case so I can keep the drive for additional storage. Once connected, it would be just like another partition or folder and you can move files with ease.

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Thanks.
Feb 25, 2016 5:30PM PST

I was really worried that I would get done and NOT be able to access the docs and pics because of Win 7 being on that HD.

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(NT) no problems what so ever.
Feb 25, 2016 5:51PM PST
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Yes
Feb 25, 2016 11:45PM PST

That is my main concern. Being able to regain the docs and pics. Thanks.