Will Windows 8 read files from a Windows 7 HD after a clean install?

My computer had Windows 7 on it, but the boot drive became unseated during a move and now it won't boot. I don't know where my install disc is, so now seems as good a time as any to put Windows 8 on it. My question is: If I do a Windows 8 clean install on a HD, will it recognise the files on a different HD that I put on there with with Windows 7, or do I have to put 7 back on and upgrade? Thanks in advance.

Reseat the HD Drive & cables first, so that Windows 7 is booting.
Find your reinstall disc's, just in case.

Welcome to EightForums.

Thanks for the welcome.

I've tried reseating and all that. The drive isn't bootable anymore...

Check the hard drive with the manufacturer's diagnostic tools.

Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.
Hard Drive Diagnostic Procedure

I'll give that a whirl.

So I'm guessing no one else has come across my other question yet? It is kind of early for that I guess...

will it recognise the files on a different HD that I put on there with with Windows 7,

Click to expand...

Yes, & OS's lower.

Awesome. Thanks a ton. HUGE weight off my chest if I can't get 7 working again.