Solved going from xp > 8.1 -can old data only HD be simply instld

I am migrating from an xp-32 bit to windows 8.1-64 bit ... I have 2 slave 1 TB hard drives in my old XP machine that are data only: architectural files, graphics and pictures ... can these old drives be "simply" installed onto open SATA connections in the new box and recognized by the 8.1-64 OS ? ... or is this too simple ? ... this was my hope to simplify migration when I set it up ... and before there was 64 bits ... thoughts ?

if they are only data files , SATA drives and they are recognised by your new PCs hardware then yes , it makes no difference whats on them , the OS will work with them.

thanks, this might actually work ... any concern for the content on the drives if the the new 8.1OS "doesn't recognise it" ?

... does anyone know if there is any concern for the content on the old drives if the the new 8.1OS "doesn't recognize" the drives ?

creativeguy said:

... does anyone know if there is any concern for the content on the old drives if the the new 8.1OS "doesn't recognize" the drives ?

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Assuming the drives are in decent operating condition (which is likely) - there are no concerns doing what you want to do.

You might have to add a drive letter for them manually using Disk Management, but even that is likely not necessary.

Install the latest SATA and IDE drivers that your motherboard manufacturer has (or from Intel if the board has Intel chipset) when you get to desktop for the first time, in 8.1. You could even download them now and put them on a USB stick that you can install from, so you're ready.

The contents of the drives will be able to be accessed exactly the same as it currently is, under XP. Nothing will change about them and all data will be there on them, the same. (As long as you don't accidentally install Windows to them.)

IF for some reason they aren't recognised by your system , you can always put them in an external USB drive case and copy the data onto a newer drive what works with your system.

but I really don't see there being much of an issue.

Wullail ... I appreciate the great info ...