Install Windows Without deleting stuff off harddrive

[BK_123]

Hi all.

I would like to know if I can install windows on a harddrive without deleting the stuff off it..

 

[Hameister]

What "stuff" are you referring too???

Are you talking about data within a currently installed version of Windows, and you want to re-install Windows without losing that data?

Are you talking about a HDD with no OS, just data?

You'll need to be more specific.

 

[BK_123]

A HDD with no OS just data?

 

[tj107us1]

I think windows will write over it, now if you install a os over a os then it would make a new folder called windows old or something similar.

 

[Hameister]

Ahhh, ok, that's simple, just partition the HDD to provide the space you need for the data that's already there. Assign that new partition a separate drive letter.

Next, install the OS on the totally clean partition.

 

[BK_123]

Right, is it best use windows partition software or a 3rd party...

 

[Hameister]

Right, is it best use windows partition software or a 3rd party...

Windows works well, or an after market if you prefer. They're all about the same.

 

[BK_123]

All good then..

I am now thinking that I will put the hard drive in another computer to recover the data and store it on another external hard drive...

 

[jmacavali]

I am now thinking that I will put the hard drive in another computer to recover the data and store it on another external hard drive...

Best idea is this. At least that way you have a backup. You can then try the partioning and if it fails there's nothing to worry about.

 

[jmacavali]

Ok so I totally didn't mean to sound like Yoda on that last post...