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    disk signature collision

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by chimpanzee, Feb 14, 2011.

  1. chimpanzee

    chimpanzee Notebook Virtuoso

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    Hi,

    I clone my smaller HDD to a larger one and now want to access some files on the old one(because the newer larger one has done some reinstallation of Windows 7).

    When in I put it in an USB enclosure, Windows 7 recognize the device but take it offline as its signature obviously is the same as my current HDD.

    I know I can either force it online or change the signature forever(I would like this option).

    However, I am not sure if changing the signature would make it no longer bootable if I do put it back in as the primary drive.

    Anyone has experience with this ?
     
    chimpanzee, Feb 14, 2011
    #1
  2. metril

    metril Notebook Deity

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    Vista and Windows 7 are smart enough to not rely on disk signatures to find the boot disk. If there is a signature collision, the boot loader will search for a bootable drive and boot. Once up and running, you can go in and force change the disk signature.
     
    metril, Feb 15, 2011
    #2