new build, need to save data

[dca221]

I searched the forum but couldn't find a solution to my question -- i am not even sure i know how to ask this question, so any help is appreciated

My computer is about four years old and I am getting ready for a new build. Over the four years, however, we have accumulated lots of family pictures, kids movies, and other data on our computer. My initial 320GB HDD ran out of space and I added another 750GB HDD last year.

Now, i am considering a new build with an SSD, and would like to reuse the two existing drives. I just don't know, however, how I can ensure i do not lose the ~400GB of files we have on the two separate hard drives today.

What would be the best solution for me? I want to ensure I do not lose the data, follow an easy enough process (I am certainly not whiz like most of you are), and keep the cost low?

Can i simply install the OS on the new SSD and include the two existing two hard drives in the new build, without losing the data?

 

[MisterDonut]

Yes, they're just like storage drives. Everything will be on there for access once you boot up from the SSD. Just don't format or RAID them .

 

[mfenn]

If you want to be super-paranoid, do what MisterDonut suggested but just don't even hook the other drives up until after you've installed the new OS.

 

[Gunbuster]

Install the OS to SSD with the other drives out of the system (keep you from doing anything stupid) after the OS is installed hook them up.

 

[dca221]

thanks for the quick responses. seems simple enough

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

I hate to be a nanny, but make sure you are backing up those drives to some sort of external drive too. Hard drive failures are inevitable, and you don't want to lose years' worth of family photos and movies...

 

[dca221]

I hate to be a nanny, but make sure you are backing up those drives to some sort of external drive too. Hard drive failures are inevitable, and you don't want to lose years' worth of family photos and movies...

Thanks Barnaby!

We have them stored at an Internet back-up site (can't recall at work what it is. Mozy?). TIt works great as a back up, but the connection seems a bit slow so I'd hate to download 400GB unless I had to!