Windows 10 restore after migration

[PotatoJunior]

I am a newbie when it comes to OS migration.


1. I am trying to install elementary OS Linux without dual booting on a Thinkpad T450s.

2. Windows 10 comes on the default 500gb HDD that came with the laptop.

3. I will be using the 500gb HDD as an external HDD.

4. I am trying to install my Linux OS on my other drive, Sandisk Extreme 256gb SSD.

My problem: I am wondering if I can restore Windows 10 from backup image while running a different OS or if I can just plug in my default factory 500gb HDD back into the computer and set as boot drive and get windows 10 going again along with the fact that there will be extra files on the foot drive since I have been using it as an external drive for music and videos and such.

 

[USAFRet]

Before you do anything else, go through the Factory Reset function, and create you own DVD reinstall set.

 

[PotatoJunior]

Before you do anything else, go through the Factory Reset function, and create you own DVD reinstall set.

The T450s doesn't have a DVD drive. Can I do it with a USB?

 

[USAFRet]

Before you do anything else, go through the Factory Reset function, and create you own DVD reinstall set.

The T450s doesn't have a DVD drive. Can I do it with a USB?

Probably.
What does your User manual say?

When you first started it up, the machine prompted you to make a restore something. The User Manual also suggests this.
Do that.

 

[PotatoJunior]

Before you do anything else, go through the Factory Reset function, and create you own DVD reinstall set.

The T450s doesn't have a DVD drive. Can I do it with a USB?

Probably.
What does your User manual say?

When you first started it up, the machine prompted you to make a restore something. The User Manual also suggests this.
Do that.

The user manual says I have to order an OS recovery disc, which I did not order when I purchased this.

It also says:

"You must have a DVD drive to use the recovery discs. If you do not have an internal DVD drive, you
can use an external USB DVD drive."

So I basically have to order a USB DVD drive. But I am wondering if I can do something 3rd party-ish.

Is a recovery drive enough to reinstall Windows 10?

 

[USAFRet]

So...

The laptop did not come with a DVD drive
It suggests that you need a DVD drive to create the relevant restore disk(s)
It does not give the option to do that via USB

I'm not sure they can do that legally.

Anyway....maybe try this.
Virtual CloneDrive

A simulated DVD drive.

 

[PotatoJunior]

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Would the above work for any Windows 10 computer in general? If it does then I am golden.

 

[USAFRet]

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Would the above work for any Windows 10 computer in general? If it does then I am golden.

Maybe.
Unknown if it will work with an OEM license.

 

[PotatoJunior]

I guess a better question is, do I still need to back up OEM license Windows 10 if the Windows 10 is already on my 500gb HDD. As long as I don't delete it, would I be able to reboot Windows 10 from the HDD after having the HDD removed and used as a secondary storage? I haven't tried this before.