New computer installation using old HDD
 

I have been using Opensuse for years and have finally accepted that I need to update the hardware. So I have got another computer and I am going to install Opensuse.

To save time I am thinking of removing the old HDD and installing in the new machine as well as the new one. I would like to just transfer a lot of folders and files which I use regularly and leave others which I can find when needed. Is this reasonable?

Should I install the old drive before installing Suse or should I wait until completing the installation. Will the drive be recognised or do I need to mount it somewhere? Will I need to change ownership of the files?

I am sure there will be more questions but that is a start. Thanks for any help.

As long as you know which HD is which, you can install whenever you want.
The possible issue to install your HD before is to erase it (mistakenly) while installing OpenSuse. And the possible issue to install your HD after is to change device order then your new OpenSuse won't be able to load, but you can fix that after.

To copy your files from the old one, you will have to mount it. And if you can plug it in, it should be recognized.

About the ownership, it is according the UID you had and the UID given to your user by the new installed OpenSuse. If it is the same UID you will have nothing to do, otherwise you will need to change it.

Building on what lougavulin said, I would suggest installing the OS to the new machine. Once it's working okay, shut down the machine and pop the old HDD into it, then add that to your /etc/fstab file.

An alternative to installing it into the new machine's case would be to get an external USB enclosure for the old drive and connect it via USB. You can still add it to /etc/fstab.

I agree with the USB - just copy what you want/need after install. Personally I would then toss the old disk in a drawer as a backup - it's probably slow and noisy anyway, and you shouldn't miss it.

Thanks guys, I'll be working on this later this week. I think I have USB enclosure somewhere so will probably try that.