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Question

how to move info from HDD formatted with Win7 to a new comp.

Sep 1, 2017 8:40AM PDT

My old HP running windows 7 died (graphics...HDD is still fine) so I got a new small form factor HP tower running windows 10. How can I get the files off my old HDD? I assume I will need a case to put the old HDD into as an external drive, but will the different OS mess things up? What about pulling the new HDD and just putting my old one inside? Please pretend I am a neophyte and know next to nothing. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Almost always, files will be fine.
Sep 1, 2017 8:53AM PDT

Just add the drive into the new computer (if a desktop) and it will show up. Again "files" will be fine. Apps or programs will have to be reinstalled.

And NO. You can't put the old drive into the new PC and boot it. Unlike a tire on a car, the OS will fail and you might damage the files.

So the options are:
1. Put the old drive as a second HDD into the PC.
2. Put the old drive in some USB case to copy your files out.

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Answer
Easiest method
Sep 1, 2017 9:16AM PDT

Get a usb enclosure.
Put your old hdd in the enclosure.
Plug it into to new pc.
Copy out "your stuff" from old hdd to new hdd.
Docs/pics etc.
You can not move apps.
Once your done with the copying wipe the hdd and use it for backups.