Temporarily moving Hard drive to another computer for data extraction


  1. Posts : 41
    Windows 10
       #1

    Temporarily moving Hard drive to another computer for data extraction


    Windows 10 Pro Version 1903

    Hello,
    I could use a bit of advice.

    I recently had my primary computer (let's call it, System 1) fail and so I'm building a new one. But in the meantime, I'm using a backup Windows 10 computer (System 2) (totally different hardware)

    However, the hard drive (WD1TB) of the Primary computer (System 1) contains all my vital data. I want to temporarily move the hard drive (WD1TB) to the Backup computer (as a secondary drive) so that I can copy data off of it.

    Eventually, I want to install the Primary drive (WD1TB) into my New Replacement Primary computer as the Boot Drive, just as it was in my now failed Primary Computer (System 1), without having to do anything to it, other than plug it into the New Replacement Primary computer and start it. (Hopefully that will work)

    My only concern is whether or not placing the HD (WD1TB) from (System 1) into the backup computer will alter the MBR or File Allocation Table in any way? Possibly rendering it unbootable when I place it into my New Replacement Computer.

    Thanks and I hope the explanation was clear and I didn't over do it with the labels.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 18,433
    Windows 11 Pro
       #2

    You will be fine. Installing it as a second data drive in the temporary computer will not affect its boot ability, unless you format it or mess with system files.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 41,481
    windows 10 professional version 1607 build 14393.969 64 bit
       #3

    There should be no change in the partition structure when the drive is inserted into an empty bay of another computer.

    If the drive has not completely failed another method to backup data is to make and restore images.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 30,613
    Windows 10 (Pro and Insider Pro)
       #4

    And to let you prepare.. Drive will boot (if it is still OK), but your new system will not activate. Change of hardware...
      My Computers


 

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