Installing SSD on L702x

pgw2

Honorable
Dec 17, 2013
2
0
10,510
Hi,

I was planning to upgrade to a SSD since my current HDD has some issues. I've never done this before, so I wanted to make sure I had the right plan.

I have a few problems:
1. I don't have access to my Windows 7 recovery disc, only my product key, but I was told to just burn an iso onto a USB and change the boot order to prioritize USB. This is fine right?

2. I can't remove my current HDD because there's a striped screw that I'm unable to remove. There is no problem with the SSD being in the 2nd drive bay right? I read that I should remove the HDD when installing Windows on the SSD, but since that's not an option is it still safe to do so with the HDD still plugged in?

Thanks in advance!

 
Solution
1. You are ok there. All windows 7 dvd's are the same. They differ only by the features unlocked by the product key.
Create a dvd or a usb for install and future recovery.

2. If your hdd is available, windows install will try to create a hidden recovery partition on it, complicating things.
Just disconnect either the sata power or the sata control cable.
You can later reattach the hard drive and will have access to the files(but not the programs which will need to be reinstalled)

3. Make certain that you have the sata mode set to AHCI(not ide or raid) That will install trim support drivers.



1. You are ok there. All windows 7 dvd's are the same. They differ only by the features unlocked by the product key.
Create a dvd or a usb for install and future recovery.

2. If your hdd is available, windows install will try to create a hidden recovery partition on it, complicating things.
Just disconnect either the sata power or the sata control cable.
You can later reattach the hard drive and will have access to the files(but not the programs which will need to be reinstalled)

3. Make certain that you have the sata mode set to AHCI(not ide or raid) That will install trim support drivers.



 
Solution

Thanks for the reply. As for #2, is there a way to disable the hard drive to get the same effect? I can't physically unplug it because of the screw.