Clean Install Backup Question

[LakAttack]

I currently have a 250GB SATAII drive in a system that is in desparate need of a complete XP reinstall (with about 220GB of data on it). I just bought a new 250 GB SATAII drive (identical to the first). I installed the drive and moved a bunch of files over to it for back up (email, documents, video, music, etc. - essentially all non-program files). Can I unplug that secondary drive, do the reformat and reinstall, reboot, then plug the second drive back in and access those files? I can't really come up with a better way to back up that much data.

 

[andy04]

Yes you shud b able to do that without any problems. In fact you can even leave the new 2nd drive where it is, no need to take it out either...

 

[ch33zw1z]

Unplugging (no need to actually remove) the drive w/ the data for the install is not only OK, but recommended so you don't format the wrong drive.

 

[LakAttack]

So when I'm reinstalling, I can tell it to leave drive 2 alone?

 

[LakAttack]

That's what I was worried about doing.

 

[LakAttack]

What I just wanted to double check on is that the new install would recognize the data on the second drive when I plug it back in, or if it will ask me to format it again?

 

[ch33zw1z]

It shouldn't ask you to. Windows should see the drive ok because it's already formatted.

 

[LakAttack]

Thank you!