new computer - can I put in the old HDD with installed old linux?

carverknut · 03-18-2009, 08:28 AM

Hi all,
I just set up a new computer with new components. Suse 11.11 is runing nicely.

Now my question: can I put in my HDD from the old machine (with Suse 10.3 installed), so I can transfer the old files easily?

Regards,
Knut

pixellany · 03-18-2009, 08:34 AM

Piece O'Cake.....

Install the old HD in the new case. If you are using IDE/Atapi, you'll need to set the jumpers appropriately (no such issue with SATA)

When you start the computer, I'd guess that SUSE 11 will automatically mount the additional drive.

(You could of course simply copy the files from your backup.....

)

mr_magen · 03-18-2009, 08:36 AM

Sure, if you boot from the Suse 11.11 hd. Just make sure you put the jumper in the right place, boot, mount it and you'll be able to browse it like you would with any partition.

carverknut · 03-18-2009, 08:51 AM

Hi,
thanks for the advice - that saved me from fumbling around with my backup DVDs.

Will there be no problem with the former Suse 10.3 boot partition?

Regards,
Knut

ajlewis2 · 03-18-2009, 09:24 AM

I don't think you will have any luck booting that old install of Suse since it was installed for a different computer. Aren't you wanting to just get data off of it? The boot partition on the old drive will not cause problems. It will simply be ignored. You will want to mount only the partition where your data is contained.

thorkelljarl · 03-18-2009, 10:11 AM

Try setting it up like this.

For IDE, an installation using one controller: Make your old HDD a Slave with the HDD that should boot Master.

For IDE, an installation using two controllers: Install the HDD that should boot on controller one, the old HDD on controller two.

For SATA: Connect the HDD to be booted as SATA one, the old HDD as SATA two.

Open your BIOS Setup and look for a setting for Boot Devices or Boot Sequence or First Boot Device and check or change the setting to make sure that the BIOS first seeks to boot from HDD0. On a newer mother board there should be a choice for the booting HDD. On an older board, there may be no choice of HDD, but the order of connection should insure booting from the right HDD.

After you save your BIOS settings, you can return to the BIOS Setup and check the first page of the BIOS for the sequence of devices recognized by the BIOS. The devices also should be listed in order on the POST screen when you turn on the system.

It should not matter that you have other devices connected to the controllers or that you have set the Boot Sequence to boot from one of these before the HDD as long as the HDD you want to boot is primary to any other HDD. Remember those jumpers. Good Luck