Since I can copy the content out there is no reason to lose any files on the drive. But my experience is that any format can be corrupt so I always want to start with a fresh drive. No partitions, create one then format it.
That way, some nasty lessons are avoided.
Bob
I bought a used Dell inspiron 5150 w/ a 40gb ATA 2.5" Fujitsu HDD. I am looking at a Hitachi Travelstar 5K80 ATA 2.5" that has a bunch of stuff installed.
Would I have to format it though for my computer to recognize it, thus deleting all the installed software?

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