If I replace everything on my desktop except for the hard drive, will I still have all my data?

Question

I got a new computer recently, and I was wondering about this for when I start upgrading. I was just wondering if I only kept my hard drive, if everything would stay the same data-wise. I'm fairly certain that this is the case, but I would feel safer double checking before I start upgrading.

Answer 1

If you buy a new computer it will contain everything new,including a NEW hard drive. You CANNOT simply take the old hard drive out and use it in the new computer it WILL not work, unless the new computer has the same otherboard and Processor.



You can use most parts and pieces for the old computer in the new one if you want to.



DId you buy only the case or is a complete computer?



You can put the old hard drive in as a secondary, slave device" if you change the jumper on the hard drive, unless it is a SATA drive, and it will be recognized by the new computer. SATA is automatically recognized and you only have to plug it into the new machine. . You can get to all the data and folders but any programs that need the old registry information will NOT work and neither will that copy of Windows.



Windows 7 comes with a program that will allow you to transfer your files, folders, and some settings to the new computer.

Answer 2

Simply put, Yes. You cannot change more than a few things at a time, and in some cases, even one item, without requiring a reinstallation of Windows.



You can however, have a new computer with a new hard drive and still install your old hard drive.



Your old hard drive will be accessible as easily as if it were a CD or jump drive. (It just won't be C: anymore)



You will maintain all of your data, but will lose all of your programs. So Microsoft Word, any games, etc. All those will have to be reinstalled. But you will keep your photos, your word documents, music, etc.

Answer 3

Well...YOUR data will stay...but...the info of the machine (CPU, RAM, Drives) may be very different than whats on the drive! This may send the computer in a tail spin! The better way is to just make your new computer (with new hard drive) then when it is all working properly, you can add your older hard drive as a second drive from which you can access your data. You could also get a Thermaltake Black X "enclosure" that lets you access any SATA drive through a USB port. For me its very handy for cleaning up older drives with viruses and not infecting my machine. I can format and upload/download info to the drive without having to install it in my machine. Its very handy indeed! You might want to try it.... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153066

Answer 4

You will still have your data, however there is a chance that you will have to reinstall windows. You can do this without losing your data by choosing not to format the hard drive when given the option to do so. You WILL however lose your installed programs and will have to reinstall those in order to regain full access to your data files.

Answer 5

Perhaps, you would have to check your Power Supply and motherboard for compatibility. Don't forget to wipe your Hard Drive of drivers to prevent any issues. I would recommend a new hard drive to be safe. It gives you a nice clean feeling and Hard Drives are cheap.

Answer 6

ram- yes, CPU- yes, optical drives- yes. PSU- yes, Video card- yes peripherals - yes, additional HDD- yes, Motherboard - technically yes, functionally- no. you would have to (99% of the time) re-format and reinstall and OS in order for the PC to be able to boot.

Answer 7

most likely it would crash so you would loose all your data and have to do a new install of the operating system