Tinkering with the works. Swapping over HDDs 1

[smiffy47]

I have inherited a PC with two HDDs (40GB as C:drive and a 60GB partitioned in 2 for file storage). C: runs XP although it is sluggish and a bit unstable because, I think, it has undergone quite a lot of changes and general abuse over the years. I would like to install a larger HDD and at the same time reinstall XP and the programs I use from scratch. Can I just remove the 40GB and replace it with another, leaving the storage disk in place as the slave?
Also, if I have problems and need to return to the old disk temporally in the midst of setting up the new system, can I simply replace the old drive for a few hours, and then swap back and carry on setting up?

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[Sleepsalot]

Yes you can just remove the OS drive and put the new one in place and make a clean install of XP. If any thing boogers up then yes you can put the old os drive back as if it was never removed.

Wayne

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[paparazi]

Indeed YES! to both answers.

Remember to install the latest drivers for your motherboards chipset and drivers ie: sound/lan etc download them now (onto the storage disk) available from the motherboard manufactures website.

Personally I would leave this "storage drive" disconnected and just have the NEW drive in place WHILST installing XP.
Once XP is installed shut down and re-connect the storage drive. Then you can imediately install those "latest" drivers that you downloaded earlier.
Obviously observing master/slave jumper settings.
Martin

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[smiffy47]

Thanks for the tips,
Steve

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