First time replacing HDD with SSD

[virtuousblimp]

Hey guys,

I just received my Lenovo W550s, as well as a Samsung 850 Pro SSD I bought to replace the 500GB HDD that I ordered with my laptop configuration. I was wondering if somebody could walk me through the steps to get my laptop running (such as installing Windows, etc.), since this is my first time replacing an HDD. Since it's a new laptop, I figured I wouldn't need to mirror the HDD, and instead just do a fresh install. Thanks!

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Hi virtuousblimp and welcome to the community.

So as I understand it you have a retail copy of Windows? If you don't have a DVD with Windows you'd have to migrate your OS to the new SSD as it's OEM (Original equipment manufacturer) if it came preinstalled on the HDD. Actually there's still the option, to download the exact same version and make a bootable DVD or USB flash drive, install it and then use the serial key, which came with your laptop.
As for setting up the laptop - it shouldn't be too much of a hassle. First enter BIOS/UEFI and change the SATA mode to AHCI (it is usually set to IDE by default). If you don't know how to do that, I'd recommend that you get in touch with the laptop manufacturer's customer support as it's different for most BIOS versions and I can't really walk you through it. Just say that you're getting an SSD and explain that you want to enable AHCI.
After that just replace the HDD with the SSD and install Windows. Here's a guide on how to install Windows 8 or 8.1: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/clean-install

Once you're done with the Windows installation, you should go ahead and enable TRIM. This function is pretty neat and helps the SSD to be at its optimal performance throughout its life. Here's an article with some tips on what to do when you have an SSD (including how to enable TRIM): https://www.maketecheasier.com/12-things-you-must-do-when-running-a-solid-state-drive-in-windows-7/

Please let me know if you have any other questions whatsoever.
Boogieman_WD

 

[ClickityTip]

How is that computer? I have been looking into Thinkpad myself?

Its simple,

1: Open the SSD Box, take out hardware/software disk, download onto the computer (Black CD)

2 : Take "Samsung Magician" software and clone your hard drive inside your computer onto the SSD drive(You will need a USB to SATA transfer cable or SATA Docking station)

3: Unscrew the bottom, unscrew the HDD drive and SLIDE the disk and pop out the hard drive and replace with the SSD drive.

This is the easiest method, assuming you did not get a recovery disk, I don't think it is better doing a recovery disk, then a backup and reinstalling. This is the method I did and is least likely to have corruption occur (Less transfers and downloads)

 

[virtuousblimp]

I got windows installed on the new SSD, but now my computer claims there are "no networks available" (I know i'm within range of a router). Any ideas on what could be going on? I've been searching around and can't find much

 

[Blackink]

Install the Ethernet drivers. I just installed Windows 7 on my Samsung 850 EVO Series SSD and I had to install the Ethernet drivers. Once that was done, I was connected to the internet.

 

[Boogieman_WD]

I got windows installed on the new SSD, but now my computer claims there are "no networks available" (I know i'm within range of a router). Any ideas on what could be going on? I've been searching around and can't find much

Yup, @Blackink is exactly right about that. Usually when you get a laptop you also get a DVD with its drivers included. You should install the Ethernet Adapter drivers and you should be fine. If you don't have such a DVD, then you should open the website of the laptop's manufacturer with another device, download the correct driver for your laptop model and OS, and install it (a USB flash drive would be an easy way to transfer the file). After that you should be able to connect to the internet with the laptop and download the rest of the drivers you need directly on it.

Cheers!