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Moving Hard Drives between computers?

k2711000
By k2711000
in Storage Devices
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Hi guys! If I move my Hard Drive (WD Black 1TB) to another computer will everything installed on that hard drive work fine? (games, programs etc). For example let's say I have Steam installed on the HDD and all my games are on it too obviously, If I move the HDD to another system will my games work just fine or will I run into any problems?

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shoudl be able to import the steam folder into steam on the other computer, assuming you're logged into the same account. As for programs that depends. Programs can write settings and what not to registery/%appdata% and this files will no be present on the new system and can cause the programs to fail.

 

really only one way to find out though.

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1 minute ago, vorticalbox said:

shoudl be able to import the steam folder into steam on the other computer, assuming you're logged into the same account. As for programs that depends. Programs can write settings and what not to registery/%appdata% and this files will no be present on the new system and can cause the programs to fail.

 

really only one way to find out though.

steam and the games are on the same drive and I am going to be logged in the same account. Programs are what I'm really concerned about so could you please explain to me how I can make my programs to work without too much hassle?

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8 minutes ago, k2711000 said:

Hi guys! If I move my Hard Drive (WD Black 1TB) to another computer will everything installed on that hard drive work fine? (games, programs etc). For example let's say I have Steam installed on the HDD and all my games are on it too obviously, If I move the HDD to another system will my games work just fine or will I run into any problems?

I've moved between systems many times before without a problem, but perhaps I was just lucky. The biggest issue you'll have is tweaking some settings, as @vorticalbox mentioned but overall there shouldn't be an issue. Different hardware shouldn't be too big of an issue for most programs and games. 

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Just now, Stylized_Violence said:

I've moved between systems many times before without a problem, but perhaps I was just lucky. The biggest issue you'll have is tweaking some settings, as @vorticalbox mentioned but overall there shouldn't be an issue. Different hardware shouldn't be too big of an issue for most programs and games. 

I don't care about settings if the goddamn thing works I'm rolling :P.

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Just now, k2711000 said:

I don't care about settings if the goddamn thing works I'm rolling :P.

Well then I think you're gonna be fine. Like I said, different hardware shouldn't impact a program's ability to launch unless it depends specifically on that component, like video card monitoring software. Go for it man, you'll be good.

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Just now, Stylized_Violence said:

Well then I think you're gonna be fine. Like I said, different hardware shouldn't impact a program's ability to launch unless it depends specifically on that component, like video card monitoring software. Go for it man, you'll be good.

thanks man for the help.

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Your drivers might possibly not work at all on a different PC.

If it's the USB drivers that don't work, then none of your USB ports will work and you won't be able to do anything.

That's why you should always clean install when moving to a new PC.

NEW PC build: Blank Heaven   minimalist white and black PC     Old S340 build log "White Heaven"        The "LIGHTCANON" flashlight build log        Project AntiRoll (prototype)        Custom speaker project

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1 hour ago, Enderman said:

Your drivers might possibly not work at all on a different PC.

If it's the USB drivers that don't work, then none of your USB ports will work and you won't be able to do anything.

That's why you should always clean install when moving to a new PC.

its a secondary hard drive my boot drive is an ssd

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3 minutes ago, k2711000 said:

its a secondary hard drive my boot drive is an ssd

Oh if it's just for data then there should be no issue moving it back and forth, it will be just like a big USB drive.

NEW PC build: Blank Heaven   minimalist white and black PC     Old S340 build log "White Heaven"        The "LIGHTCANON" flashlight build log        Project AntiRoll (prototype)        Custom speaker project

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Ryzen 3950X | AMD Vega Frontier Edition | ASUS X570 Pro WS | Corsair Vengeance LPX 64GB | NZXT H500 | Seasonic Prime Fanless TX-700 | Custom loop | Coolermaster SK630 White | Logitech MX Master 2S | Samsung 980 Pro 1TB + 970 Pro 512GB | Samsung 58" 4k TV | Scarlett 2i4 | 2x AT2020

 

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On 6.08.2016 г. at 9:02 PM, k2711000 said:

~snip~

Hi there :)

 

As the guys pointed out, swapping a drive between computers would require you to reinstall the OS due to compatibility and driver reasons and this creates a new registry which requires you to reinstall your games and applications. 

Gaming platforms usually allow you to keep your game save files and re-import them once you've reinstalled your games. I'd suggest that you turn to the support of the platform for more suggestions and advice and the most accurate information. 

 

A note from me: if you are reusing a drive on a new computer I'd first check its health first to make sure the drive is still healthy and safe to store your data. A good way to do this on your WD Black is to check if it passes both the quick and the extended tests of WD Data Lifeguard Diagnostic.  

 

Captain_WD.

If this helped you, like and choose it as best answer - you might help someone else with the same issue. ^_^
WDC Representative, http://www.wdc.com/ 

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13 hours ago, Captain_WD said:

Hi there :)

 

As the guys pointed out, swapping a drive between computers would require you to reinstall the OS due to compatibility and driver reasons and this creates a new registry which requires you to reinstall your games and applications. 

Gaming platforms usually allow you to keep your game save files and re-import them once you've reinstalled your games. I'd suggest that you turn to the support of the platform for more suggestions and advice and the most accurate information. 

 

A note from me: if you are reusing a drive on a new computer I'd first check its health first to make sure the drive is still healthy and safe to store your data. A good way to do this on your WD Black is to check if it passes both the quick and the extended tests of WD Data Lifeguard Diagnostic.  

 

Captain_WD.

My drives are brand new literaly bought them a couple months back. As for importing the games... that is a whole other story

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11 hours ago, k2711000 said:

~snip~

It's good that you have newer storage drives, though it never hurts to check their condition as storage devices may fail at any time. You can never be too careful with your data and regular diagnostic tests are highly recommended. :)

 

Captain_WD.

If this helped you, like and choose it as best answer - you might help someone else with the same issue. ^_^
WDC Representative, http://www.wdc.com/ 

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3 hours ago, Captain_WD said:

It's good that you have newer storage drives, though it never hurts to check their condition as storage devices may fail at any time. You can never be too careful with your data and regular diagnostic tests are highly recommended. :)

 

Captain_WD.

I will check when I go back home. Anyways thanks for the help!

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