A question about a Windows build after new HDD installed

I'm going to put a new, higher capacity, HDD in my PC and rebuild Windows (XP Pro).

The eventual intent is to only have the new drive fitted, the old drive will be there initially for transition purposes. It is formatted with primary and secondary partitions.

They will both be connected on SATA.

When I go to do the build and create a primary and secondary partition on the new HDD will the presence of the second drive, with its partitions, cause any problems?

Should I leave it disconnected during the initial build and connect after the Windows installation?

I normally leave the old drive unconnected until after the install.

I'd leave it disconnected - otherwise it might shift drive letters around.

Agreed. Best to have no operating system present when creating the new one.

Plus, in case of problems the old drive is still in a good to go state.

Aye, a very good point, thank you Sir.

And thanks to all you other Sirs for commonality of thought, and thus for being in agreement with one another (can tell this isn't FC )