Windows 10: Is resetting/refreshing Windows on an external HDD safe for the Internal SSD?

I have an HDD with Windows 8 on it that I took directly out of an old desktop. It's in an HDD case and connected to my current Windows 10 laptop via USB. If I set the boot order to boot from the external HDD, then enter Windows RE to Reset this PC, will it strictly affect the external HDD? I am assuming so, but I want to be sure that it will not affect the internal SSD of my laptop. I plan on keeping personal files, but I would like to know the result of bother scenarios whether I did or not.

:)

 

External SSD recognized as HDD in Windows 10

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand your query related to External SSD showing as HDD when connected to the PC using USB 3.0 port. For further clarity on the issue, please respond to the questions below.

1. Have you tried connecting the SSD to any other PC?
   
2. Are you using any converter to connect the SSD through USB 3.0 port?
   
3. Are you using a RAID configuration?
   

I have researched on your query and found that the SSD that you are using is an internal SSD drive, in this case I would suggest you to try updating the Intel Rapid Storage drivers from the

intel website and see if that helps.



In addition, this issue can occur if the SSD is connected to a SATA controller that is identified as RAID (SCSI). I would suggest you to try connecting the SSD to a SATA port that uses AHCI controller such as Intel SATA controller/chipset.



Please get back to us with the detailed information to assist you further.



Regards,

Prakhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

How to Change Boot Disk from Internal HDD to External SSD

Thanks. Am planning to but just want to make sure the SSD boots before making it internal.

 

External HDD or Internal HDD?

I'm contemplating whether or not if I should purchase a external hard drive for saving all of my work, music, photo's backup etc, instead of saving it on my pc hd. Now the problem is external hdd vs internal hdd's longevity, hardware differences, file corruption typically on external hdd's or flash drives. Is it a mistake saving personal stuff separate from the pc or are ex hdd as good as internal? I've had experiences loosing my stuff because of viruses, hdd failure and lack of prior experience not partitioning my hdd *Smile