New
#1
Very Common Reinstall problem Not addressed in other threads very well
I have a custom Build PC. Selected the free upgrade to Win10 (currently my OS).
Situation:
I installed a 256 GB SSD for my OS, 4TB HDD (newer) and 1.5TB HDD (old left in for reference).
Tried to keep all OS software on SSD for quick boot up. The problem is that most software auto loads to the C: drive (SSD) unless redirected. Kids download gaming software all the time without redirecting to the D: (HDD). This download directing to the D: (HDD) was a problem that I'm not sure has ever been addressed, but when I installed the SSD it was a recognized difficulty.
Complications:
Built this PC for gaming and the kids. Nice to use when I get a chance (never, unless problems to solve).
The SSD has gotten stuffed with other stuff. The older HDD has failed (no problem, it just doesn't show up on windows explorer anymore). Windows 10 updates are installed on SSD and newer HDD. Machine went from boot up in 20 seconds, to 10 minutes now.
Question:
If I clean up the SSD and reinstall all the "Other" software on D: (HDD), can I do a clean Win10 install on just the SSD without wiping the D: (HDD)? Can I simply unplug the HDDs and do the re-install? What about licensing etc...
Will there be other complications? If the HDD is unplugged will it affect BIOS, or other important software related to the re-install? Should I be aware of other challenges when the HDD is replugged in? Are there any BIOS settings I need to do prior to unpugging/re-plugging it in? I plan on just removing the failed HDD in this process as well.
Comments:
I know of others in this predicament. All of them have installed SSDs for their OS and had this challenge. We don't want to lose our software or do a reinstall. I have anti-stuff malware defenses that include Betas and hard to get add-ons. Also have complex developer software that has gone up in cost to replace significantly.
In the re-install process can I change the SSD to D: and have BIOS see it as the boot disk (with the clean Win10 on it) and leave the HHD as C: for all else? will this affect future WIN10 updates? My guess is that the updates will try to go to C:.
Thanks for any and all assistance, comments and advice on this.