Replacing a dead SSD

Question

I have a computer with an SSD that has the OS and some Apps. It also has a HDD with photos and videos. The SSD failed. I purchased a new SSD and installed it. I disconnected the HDD and installed windows 7 on the new ssd. Now can I just plug the HDD in and it will work like it did before?  I don't want to lose the photos and videos. I don't have a backup.  Do I have to set up windows pictures file so it know where to find the photos? Any help to get this HDD working like it did before would be great.   Thanks

Answer 1

Since the HDD was labeled as "E" drive with the old ssd will it automatically still be listed as E when I plug it back in?

-> Not necessarily but you can easily change the drive letter with the Disk Manager (diskmgmt.msc).

Should I shut the system down before plugging the HDD in?

-> If it is installed in a USB case, no. If you connect it with a SATA cable, yes.

Answer 2

Please remember to mark my reply as Answer to your question.

Answer 3

Wow, that was easy. I was really sweating it for nothing. Thanks for all the help.

Dean

Answer 4

Thanks for replying. Since the HDD was labeled as "E" drive with the old ssd will it automatically still be listed as E when I plug it back in? Should I shut the system down before plugging the HDD in?

Answer 5

Now can I just plug the HDD in and it will work like it did before?

-> Yes, it will.

I don't want to lose the photos and videos.

-> You won't.

I don't have a backup.

-> Some people are born risk-takers.

Do I have to set up windows pictures file so it know where to find the photos?

-> Yes, you do.