Exchange HDD for SSD?

[NewbieGeek]

I have an old laptop (like from 2009) I think and it still has decent specs. What I'm wondering is can I trade out the old HDD for an SSD and retain my copy of windows? This laptop was reallllly slow last time I tried to use it and I suspect there was malware on it for that reason as I had uninstalled virtually everything i could. Would I see a big difference in performance? I know SSDs are much faster and I have used on in my desktop.

Also, I accidentally blew canned air into the output? vent once and the laptop would complain about the cooling system possibly being damaged after about 10 minutes. What is the best cpu temperature monitor for older intel laptops?

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... 1) do you have two HD bays? this will allow migration software to be used... without a USB adaptor.
2) Do you have OS install media on hand?
3) You will need to determine the HD connection type and width of your HD port/slot for a proper SSD replacement... typically the SSD's come with MM spacers for fit compatibility.

 

[NewbieGeek]

I don't know if I have two bays. I want to do a clean install anyways since the hard drive was failing and probably full of malware and other bugs. I have an installation disk from my install on my desktop. Should be able to activate with the code on the laptop's sticker?

What about checking the temperature? It's not worth a clean install if it gets too hot. I heard laptops often run hot anyway.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Yes a clean install with your laptop sticker Key is best... Install Media needs to be the same product code Home/pro/x64 etc...
You will need to re-activate the OS on-line or over the phone... painless procedure... failing hardrive/malware required re-install.

An inspection of the CPU thermal paste and cleaning of components is always advisable, when in doubt, or needing better performance... it's just harder to get to with a laptop. The size and performance of cooling components between laptops and desktops are obvious.

 

[NewbieGeek]

Both my desktop and old laptop run 64bit windows 7 home premium. Will I really need to call in to activate? Can't I just use the code? I thought the windows copy was tied to the mobo not the hard drive.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... up to Microsoft what they want you to do... painless procedure... I've called them over 100 times... you have 30 days to satisfy them.

You use the CODE/KEY to install the OS on your laptop... you still have to ACTIVATE the install... standard procedure.

 

[NewbieGeek]

I don't know if I have multiple bays, although I doubt it. So I might as well try installing and using the code on the laptop and see if it activates? I'm pretty sure the HDD uses a sata connection. If not ill forget it.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Install and activation I have done 1000 times, as you have described.
Yes... Sata is standard, but laptops can use smaller Sata connection types and SSD replacement IS available for you... just look close, and determine your needed type and size ( got a ruler? )... There May or May NOT be something special, BUT to start your search you need to determine the connection type... your Laptop manual/PDF should have more information on how to do this and other features of your laptop (multi-bay).

 

[NewbieGeek]

I guess I'll try opening it up in an hour if you think I might just be able to install windows upon my temperature check test being positive. I think I tried before and there was a stuck screw. There's an opening in the bottom that should pop off after you talk some screws out I think. It opens to the hard drive. Not sure where the manual is although I probably have it somewhere like I said it's a little old and I haven't used it in a couple years.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... DL a PDF same thing as manual Could have been done already... B )
Check Youtube/NET videos for your laptop model for disassembly? might get lucky here.

 

[NewbieGeek]

I can take a pc apart, I want to know about the software...

 

[NewbieGeek]

I swapped drives, and I'm running Linux. Psensor shows the temperature to be a bit high, I'm not that worried about it though because I've heard laptops run hotter than desktops. However, the cpu cooler fan does not appear to be spinning. At all.

Should I just attempt to install windows anyway or what do you suggest?

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... You need to make proper repairs to your CPU cooler fan first ( why take a chance? )... Your Bios' has the CPU fan speed warning DISABLED?... and then your good to go.

 

[NewbieGeek]

I sprayed more canned air in and the fan spins. I'll probably work on installing windows tomorrow or in the next day or so.