Merging multiple old hard drives onto one new disk


  1. txr
    Posts : 2
    Windows
       #1

    Merging multiple old hard drives onto one new disk


    This is a really hard question to google because all the answers keep pointing to the New Striped Volume solution which isn't what I'm after.

    I have multiple old hard drives from old PCs that have the old OS and files on them. Some 250GB, 1TB, 2TB etc.
    I bought a new 8TB and want to clone and move all the data from the old SSD+HDDs onto the new 8TB Disk, and have them appear as separate partitions (eg. 250gb E:\ , 1TB F:\ , 2TB G:\ )

    Is this possible?

    I am using Windows 10
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,487
    Windows 10 Home, 64-bit
       #2

    Do you want this new 8 TB drive to be bootable from any of these partitions? Is the new drive expected to be a boot drive in any sense?

    Or do you just want the various partitions on these various drives to have a new storage spot---a new place to live in--- irrespective of their "usability" in that form?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 5,048
    Windows 10/11 Pro x64, Various Linux Builds, Networking, Storage, Cybersecurity Specialty.
       #3

    @txr -

    Welcome to Windows Ten Forums!

    How many HDD's and SSD's are we speaking about and what interfaces?
    I am assuming that the new 8 TB drive will be the boot.

    Migrate all your data into a single folder on your new desktop. The exact sorting can be done later.

    Will you need one of these?

    USB 3.0 to SATA III Adapter Cable – UGREEN

    I have one and it works for me very nicely.

    HTH,

      My Computer


  4. Posts : 18,044
    Win 10 Pro 64-bit v1909 - Build 18363 Custom ISO Install
       #4

    Hello @txr,

    Welcome to TenForums!

    txr said:
    I have multiple old hard drives from old PCs that have the old OS and files on them. Some 250GB, 1TB, 2TB etc.
    I bought a new 8TB and want to clone and move all the data from the old SSD+HDDs onto the new 8TB Disk, and have them appear as separate partitions (eg. 250gb E:\ , 1TB F:\ , 2TB G:\ )
    [1] So basically, the 8TB is going to be solely used as a backup drive, is that correct?
    [2] You want to image/clone your existing OS's, including ALL the data that is held on them [ the several drives ] to the 8TB drive?
    [3] I assume that you intend to use an imaging program like Macrium Reflect or AOMEI, or similar?
    [4] Are you expecting ALL OS's to be bootable?

    Is this what you are attempting to achieve?

    I hope this helps!
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 8,102
    windows 10
       #5

    Your only option really is to create the partitions on a gpt disk so you can have primary partition. Then just use built in robocopy to copy the data.
    You can't clone as you may have wrong disk signature and if you clone you will struggle to access data due to NTFS permission all being owned by the sid of the old user. Robocopy is very fast and should get around the NTFS problems but it will take a long time
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 18,044
    Win 10 Pro 64-bit v1909 - Build 18363 Custom ISO Install
       #6

    Samuria said:
    Your only option really is to create the partitions on a gpt disk so you can have primary partition. Then just use built in robocopy to copy the data.
    You can't clone as you may have wrong disk signature and if you clone you will struggle to access data due to NTFS permission all being owned by the sid of the old user. Robocopy is very fast and should get around the NTFS problems but it will take a long time
    +1.
      My Computer


  7. txr
    Posts : 2
    Windows
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Or do you just want the various partitions on these various drives to have a new storage spot---a new place to live in--- irrespective of their "usability" in that form?
    I don't need it as bootable drive. Just a storage drive that I want access too every time I boot up. I plan to keep the old HDDs in case the 8TB fails and I lose all my documents (they are spread out everywhere).

    How many HDD's and SSD's are we speaking about and what interfaces?
    I am assuming that the new 8 TB drive will be the boot.

    Migrate all your data into a single folder on your new desktop. The exact sorting can be done later.
    The interfaces are all SATA2/3. Just the 250gb, 1tb and 2tb. I have one other HDD (Is making clicking noises) but I want to get this thing working first.

    [1] So basically, the 8TB is going to be solely used as a backup drive, is that correct?
    [2] You want to image/clone your existing OS's, including ALL the data that is held on them [ the several drives ] to the 8TB drive?
    [3] I assume that you intend to use an imaging program like Macrium Reflect or AOMEI, or similar?
    [4] Are you expecting ALL OS's to be bootable?
    1) Yes. That's correct
    2) Yes
    3) Yes, if that is what is needed.
    4) They don't need to be bootable.

    Your only option really is to create the partitions on a gpt disk so you can have primary partition. Then just use built in robocopy to copy the data.
    You can't clone as you may have wrong disk signature and if you clone you will struggle to access data due to NTFS permission all being owned by the sid of the old user. Robocopy is very fast and should get around the NTFS problems but it will take a long time
    So on my new HDD, I need to create GPT and not MBR? If my 2TB is 3/4 full, can I just partition 1.5TB and robocopy will still work? I've never heard or used of robocopy before.
    Is there anything in particular in the robocopy options/switches I should be careful about to avoid the disk signature and NTFS problems?
      My Computer


 

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