Swap HDD to SSD (Asus S301LA)

[Tyler Chu]

Hello fellas,

I just bought a Asus S301LA laptop with core-i7, 8GB RAM and a 500 GB HDD with 5400 rpm. I wanna swap this stupid slow HDD with a SSD. The question is I cannot find any product key under my laptop. I wonder if I swap my HDD with SSD, I use USB to install Windows 8, will the setup will automatically add my product key or not?

I tried download the "Windows 8 Setup" to get the setup files. However, when it comes to ask for my product key. It does not automatically add the product key. So I fear that when I actual install it, there might be no product key automatically added. Anyone has the same experience ?

 

[cin19]

I read it online the win8 product keys are no longer written on stickers on the bottom of new laptops, all you can do that is cloning. After done the cloning, switch to the SSD from HDD.
If your HDD is WD using the Acronis True Image WD Edition Software http://support.wd.com/product/downloaddetail.asp?swid=119&wdc_lang=en
If your HDD is seagate http://www.seagate.com/support/downloads/item/discwizard-master-dl/

 

[Tyler Chu]

The prob is my laptop doesnt have a optical drive. Mine is samsung ssd 250gb. I notice it has a disc but no idea wat is it for. I have to start it from beginning. I just want to ask if i swap the hard drive. Install the windows 8, does the windows will ask for prod key or it will be automatically added.

 

[cin19]

Sorry I forget the SSD comes with the Data Magician software because you don't have the optical drive, you can download and install it. http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/samsungssd/downloads.html

Before you do the cloning, watch the youtube and to see you can open up the laptop or not. In the video the laptop is other model. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auVVVgvbjc8 Also check you can go to the BIOS to change the storage mode to ahci or not, because afte you switch to the SSD, you need to do the tweak the SSD. http://www.tweakhound.com/2013/11/02/windows-8-1-ssd-settings-etc/

Next buy one this adapter like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2RB16J0694 (only for 2.5" HDD/SSD because the power comes from the USB cable), you can't use for regular HDD, or buy the other http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1PU0GG9972

Then you may need clean up the laptop like uninstall some softwares and backup the files to other HDD. Thne connect the SSD using the adapter, start the Data Magician software to clone. After done, open up the laptop to switch the SSD. Boot up the computer, and you need to shutdown the laptop again, tweak the ssd, after that you can use the laptop like before.

 

[Y0GI]

Google Belarc Advisor. That program will give you all of your product keys and serial numbers.