formatting a HDD after installing and cloning the HDD to a SSD for the elderly

joinerjohn · Post by **joinerjohn** » Fri Jan 12, 2024 6:58 pm

As per the title, Ive just installed a SSD into my computer and managed (eventually) to clone my HDD drive to the SSD. Ive disconnected the HDD and computer now boots (and works) using the SSD. Not being one to waste money, can anyone tell me in simple terms how to format the HDD so I can use that to store my pics and videos on. I plugged it back into the computer (have the boot sequence to read the SSD first), but it boots using the old HDD drive. Looking on the internet, it seems I have to assign a new drive letter to the old HDD, but as it boots using it, I can't rename it as it's in use. Any ideas please ?

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Fri Jan 12, 2024 7:38 pm

Have you tried.
1) Change and save the boot order sequence.
2) Put it in another pc and format it
3) Change the socket you plug it into

Harry001 · Post by **Harry001** » Fri Jan 12, 2024 8:16 pm

If it's a SATA drive you can use a USB connector, plug it in, and format it. Also, it can be used as a portable drive :)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/BENFEI-Cable-D ... B07F7WDZGT

joinerjohn · Post by **joinerjohn** » Fri Jan 12, 2024 11:25 pm

Thanks guys. Yes I did change and save the boot order of drives in the bios. Looks like Harry's link to Scamazon is the thing I need.

Harry001 · Post by **Harry001** » Sat Jan 13, 2024 9:09 am

One thing, just ensure you have a USB 3 port as USB 2 is very slow for external drives.