How to install an SATA hard drive without reformatting

[zebra1057]

Hi,

I have a Western digital SATA hard drive. I would like to transfer this drive to another computer. My problem is that the Western digital wizard would erase my data before I can transfer the SATA HD to the new system.

These data is important. Any idea is gratly appreciated.

zebra1057

 

[firewolfrl]

why do you need to use the Western digital wizard?
I almost never use the hard disk utilities.
except,
when I need to do diagnostics and zero the drive...that is all I use them for.
is this drive going to be a secondary non-boot drive or the primary boot drive?
if it is a secondary non-boot drive the data should be fine

 

[paparazi]

Ideally.......just hook this drive up as a slave/storage drive to one already installed.
Then it should just see the drive as another drive letter which you can access and use as normal.
Obviously you will have to make sure SATA connections are turned on in the bios (most are by default) and that you install SATA drivers so the new drive can been seen and used (manufacturers website)
If you only have the one drive things are a little more complex, you could try a "repair" install but you are always risking your valuable files or connect to another PC as slave, take off the files, install the drive to your PC, fresh install, connect back to PC with your files, transfer everything into a folder (minus old OS) refit! WHAT A MESS AROUND. There are loads of other ways but easiest is just to connect as slave to an existing working system.
Martin
Martin

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Participate and help others.

 

[zebra1057]

Hello Guys,

thank you for your quick responses. The working computer is now able to recognize the western digital sata drive. I used the wire that came with the drive(I used a wire from Seagate at first). I do not know if that was the solution. (I think a wire is a wire).

Thank you.

zebra1057