Hi, I know nothing about computer hardware. But my Alienware has been getting a ''SMART status failed, backup and replace'' message on bootup which indicates hard drive failure is imminent. I love my machine, so I figured I might as well upgrade to a 1TB Samsung EVO SSD.
Since I'm going for a full replacement, I think it's as simple as using a 2.5'' adapter carriage in the original HDD slot. Is that right?
Assuming that's the case, where does that fit with cloning the hard drive to transfer it to the new SSD? My hard drive hasn't failed yet, so I should be able to transfer the Windows 10 data still. Most guides I have seen (like this one: https://www.howtogeek.com/97242/how-to-migrate-windows-7-to-a-solid-state-drive/) say the SSD can be installed ''alongside'' the HDD for transfer, but that's typically when adding the SSD as additional storage, not using it to replace the HDD altogether. Is there a way to temporarily use that process to install an SSD alongside the HDD, transfer the data to the new drive using something like EaseUS ToDo Backup, and then replace the HDD altogether? Or is that too convoluted? Should I just install it alongside and leave it there, even though the old drive is bad? I bought all the cables required for that as well.
Maybe I should just cut my losses, simply replace the drive, and do a clean Windows Install. Either way, I'm pretty far out of my element.
Thanks for your input.
-Christy
Since I'm going for a full replacement, I think it's as simple as using a 2.5'' adapter carriage in the original HDD slot. Is that right?
Assuming that's the case, where does that fit with cloning the hard drive to transfer it to the new SSD? My hard drive hasn't failed yet, so I should be able to transfer the Windows 10 data still. Most guides I have seen (like this one: https://www.howtogeek.com/97242/how-to-migrate-windows-7-to-a-solid-state-drive/) say the SSD can be installed ''alongside'' the HDD for transfer, but that's typically when adding the SSD as additional storage, not using it to replace the HDD altogether. Is there a way to temporarily use that process to install an SSD alongside the HDD, transfer the data to the new drive using something like EaseUS ToDo Backup, and then replace the HDD altogether? Or is that too convoluted? Should I just install it alongside and leave it there, even though the old drive is bad? I bought all the cables required for that as well.
Maybe I should just cut my losses, simply replace the drive, and do a clean Windows Install. Either way, I'm pretty far out of my element.
Thanks for your input.
-Christy