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    Fresh install advice please..

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by IrateMike, Dec 2, 2010.

  1. IrateMike

    IrateMike Notebook Geek

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    Hi all,

    I have recently purchased a ssd for my computer and want to do a fresh install - returning my system to the way it was when it was shipped. Am I better to use the Dell datasafe software to make a recovery disc and use that, or use the Alienware Windows CD I received when I bought my computer?

    I have already backed up all my important files and documents so I'm not worried about losing anything.

    Sorry if this seems like a silly question.

    Regards,


    Michael
     
    IrateMike, Dec 2, 2010
    #1
  2. inap

    inap .........................

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    nvm mistake
     
    inap, Dec 2, 2010
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  3. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    Use the Alienware Windows CD and make a fresh install on the SSD. The HDD and SSD are completely different in the way they access and write the data, I'd neve advice to put the imgae of a harddisk to a SSD. A fresh install will be the best for your new drive, as the SSD puts the data where it needs it, not where the HDD used to need it.

    Make sure to install all Windows upgrades and drivers once your done with installing Windows. As you already backed up all your data, getting back your files will take no time.
     
    svl7, Dec 2, 2010
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  4. inap

    inap .........................

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    oops my bad forgot all about the hdd to ssd.

    fresh install with disk is best. +rep svl7
     
    inap, Dec 2, 2010
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  5. taylrjones

    taylrjones Notebook Consultant

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    Also, just a note. The dell recovery partition will not be reinstalled on the new drive and I don't think there is a way to setup the partition again, at least not one that I know of. However, this is probably better for the ssd given the limited amount of space.

    Edit:

    Faiz wrote a great guide on optimizing the Windows 7 install to reduce the amount of space Windows takes up on the drive. I dont know what size your drive, but for most space will be a valuable asset on the ssd.
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m15x/516410-windows-7-optimized-ssd-install-5-5gb.html
     
    taylrjones, Dec 2, 2010
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  6. IrateMike

    IrateMike Notebook Geek

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    Thanks for all your replies guys, much appreciated. I was reading the help file in the dell datasafe backup program, and it states that:

    'Recovery Discs provide the additional option of recovering the entire computer to the Factory Condition. This will remove all files and folders from the computer and lay down the software and drives exactly as at the factory, including reinstalling the recovery partition.'

    I've created the discs just in case, but I think I'll go with you guys and reinstall using the windows disc that came with the computer.
     
    IrateMike, Dec 2, 2010
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  7. DboogieC

    DboogieC Notebook Deity

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    Dont use the recover disc !! just do a fresh install, you'll get the maximum usage out of your SDD this way. then download the major drivers, restart then download the command center and the rest of the divers. :D
     
    DboogieC, Dec 2, 2010
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  8. taylrjones

    taylrjones Notebook Consultant

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    ^He's correct. Windows install will automatically recognize the SSD and enable trim and change settings for some services. Also, the partition will be aligned to the SSD's sectors, which will increase performance.

    Long story short, either do a clean install using the CD that came with the laptop or create a custom one following the guide I posted from faiz and do a clean install
     
    taylrjones, Dec 2, 2010
    #8