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The thread discusses migrating a Windows 7 HDD to a new PC with Windows 8.1 installed on an SSD, focusing on whether to format the HDD before transfer and how to manage partition styles. The consensus is to format the drive after installing it on the new system and use Disk Management, with GPT formatting recommended for UEFI systems like an Asus Z97 motherboard. The overall tone is helpful and informative, with users providing practical advice on drive configuration and setup.
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clankfu

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I'm building a new rig and planning to install Windows 8.1 on an SSD as the boot drive. I'd like to move over my HDD with Windows 7 boot from my old machine to the new PC to use as a storage drive.

Do I have to format the HDD in my old machine first or can I just install it to my new rig as is and format it there? And is there anyway to wipe out the Windows 7 boot on the HDD without erasing any of the data (pics, documents, videos)?
 

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Mike

Mike

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#2
Hello, it has been awhile since you posted this, but you should go ahead and format the drive on your new system after you have done a clean install of Windows 8. Windows should recognize the drive once you get Windows 8 started. You can manage the disks and partitions that are on your system with "diskmgmt.msc" or Disk Management.
 

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clankfu

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Mike said:
Hello, it has been awhile since you posted this, but you should go ahead and format the drive on your new system after you have done a clean install of Windows 8. Windows should recognize the drive once you get Windows 8 started. You can manage the disks and partitions that are on your system with "diskmgmt.msc" or Disk Management.
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Thank you.

I have one more question if you don't mind. If I'm using an SSD as the boot drive and the HDD as a secondary storage drive, should I format both to GPT or should I format the boot SSD to MBR and only the HDD to GPT?
 

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Mike

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#4
Only if you're using UFEI BIOS, otherwise use MBR. For instance, if the original on the secondary is MBR there is no reason not to use MBR.
 

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clankfu

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Mike said:
Only if you're using UFEI BIOS, otherwise use MBR. For instance, if the original on the secondary is MBR there is no reason not to use MBR.
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I'll be using an Asus Z97 mobo so that utilizes UEFI and I should format to GPT for both drives right?
 

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