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    How to install Windows onto the SSD cache?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by maybeamac, Feb 26, 2015.

  1. maybeamac

    maybeamac Newbie

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    Hi guys,

    I recently purchased an AW 17 - the older 2014 model. Just wondering how I go about installing the OS onto the SSD partition instead of the HDD partition? I have the 80GB SSD + 1TB HDD option.

    I'm planning to install a 500GB SSD and keep the 1TB in there as a secondary drive but want to install Windows onto the 80GB SSD and keep it in storage first as a backup option incase I need to send it in for warranty.

    I read something about changing RAID to UFCI but don't have full instructions on what to do.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.
     
    maybeamac, Feb 26, 2015
    #1
  2. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Hi, you'd be far better off putting the OS on the new SSD and leaving the 1tb drive being cached. Best of both worlds. Do NOT change the bios mode from RAID. Even if you don't use it you are limiting what you can do for good (without a full re-install) and it will break the caching.

    Simplest way is to use Alienrespawn to create a a factory image on a USB and restore it to the new drive. If you are using win 7 you'll want to go into the BIOS and set the new SSD as the first boot drive. Win 8 will 'repair' the boot sector so it starts from the correct drive. Just use F12 at the bios screen to select the boot device and select your usb with the backup inserted. Then select the new drive to restore to.

    Good luck.
     
    MickyD1234, Feb 26, 2015
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