Is it OK to attach SATA HD while computer running?

[partly cloudy]

I know, I know, I know... SATA is Hot PnP. I'm old school and finally gotten over the fear of Hot PnP USB.

I'm replacing a new W7 PC for a customer and the old PC is WXP. Reason being, the old PC Pwr Supply died. Can I take the old SATA HD w/WXP on it and just plug it into a SATA port on the new PC while it's running to copy files from it (safely).

And can I facilitate a Files and Settings Transfer WXP-to-W7 in this manner?

Thanx,
partly cloudy

 

[badger906]

yeah you can ive got a hot swap drive, which allows you to remove and replace a drive whenever you need to

 

[whs]

Not a good idea to have your hands in a box that is under power.

 

[partly cloudy]

OK...

I just installed the WXP HD into my W& PC, turned it on and I am able to view the WXP HD using Explorer.

I know I can copy files and pictures and music using Cut & Paste method... If I copy the entire Documents and Sttettings Folder to a thumb drive and plug it into the customer's new W7 PC and start the Files and Settings Transfer, will the F*S Transfer work as intended? Will the new W7 PC have accomplished the F&S Transfer?

Thanx,

partly cloudy

 

[DeaconFrost]

I wouldn't chance plugging in the drive, if you haven't already. I'm also not a fan of using a wizard to tell me how to move data. I prefer to do it manually, which is always more thorough and doesn't take long.

 

[partly cloudy]

OK...

Well, I did plug it in and turned on my W7 PC. Like I said, I can see the HDD and I can Copy n Paste the "info" to a thumb drive. No problem.

My question now is, should I copy the entire Documents and Settings Folder or just the Main User Folder in the D&S Folder? And will this info on the thumb drive be enough to facilitate the Files & Settings Transfer on the new W7 PC?

Thanx,

partly cloudy

 

[essenbe]

It's been a long time since I used XP, but I think if you copy them to a thumb drive, you will be able to transfer the user files and folders, but I don't think it will replace the settings. Those you will probably need to do manually.

 

[partly cloudy]

OK...

When you say "do the Settings manually", what are you referring to?

Just want to do it right and be able to advise the customer.

Thanx,

partly cloudy

 

[essenbe]

What I mean is if you copy/paste the user files, you can transfer the documents from the old system to the new installation. Same with pictures, music etc. As far as the system settings such as text size, screen saver, user accounts and such, they will need to be done manually. Like Deacon, I prefer not to use a wizzard to transfer. It can not work correctly and also transfer some things you do not want transfered.

 

[TVeblen]

Hey, just thought I should add something important to this thread. In case others come looking .

The title question is: "Is it OK to attach SATA HD while computer running?"

It should be noted that hot swapping internal SATA drives is OK only if the SATA controller is set to AHCI mode in the BIOS settings.

It is not recommended if the controller is in legacy IDE mode.