Will I lose my files on my 2nd internal hard disk drive when i reformat the 1st one?

Question

I've installed two hard disks on my computer. The first one for primary use and the second for backup. Recently, I've been experiencing problems with my computer due to viruses and other issues so I'm planning to reformat my primary hard disk. My question is, after reformatting the 1st hard disk and reinstalling Windows XP; will my files be safe and intact on the second hard disk? Can I access them at once after reinstalling windows?

Answer 1

Before I go on, let me mention that you can do a full format in XP.

There are many ways to format dependant on the file system used. But thats was not your question.

To answer your question fully no you wont lose any information on your seperate internal drive but I would suggest that whilst formating the root drive that you remove the 2nd HDD.

Once you have installed XP back onto your primary and all drivers are upto date, switch off, plug in 2nd and reboot..

Answer 2

No problem. All files stay put.

I would advise against formatting, among other things, because XP won't let you.

Go here and do the full scan. See what happens. http://safety.live.com/site/en-US/default.htm

Then get Avast antivirus. here http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

Turn on XP Firewall.

AND before installing Avast, get rid of any antivirus / antispyware programs you may have.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Just be sure that you have everything backed up. I would even suggest you invest in an external drive and set up some software to do daily backups for you so you are always safe.

Answer 4

NO you wont lose data, just when you go into format, make sure u choose the one labeled with the right drive letter c: as ex... good luck.

Answer 5

files on the second hard disk won't be affected, and you will be able to access them once installation is over.

Answer 6

You wont lose your data and make sure to count the number of pubes in the drive.