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    Changing systems - harddrive incompatible?

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by Xalgon, Oct 6, 2010.

  1. Xalgon

    Xalgon Notebook Consultant

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    Well, I've raised a fuss with Alienware about my hinge failure on my m11x...and they're considering upgrading me to the m15x. So what I want to know, is there any way that I can either swap the harddrive over alright, or copy my files from one to the other? I don't much desire to have to re-install everything if I can help it you know?
     
    Xalgon, Oct 6, 2010
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  2. hub1100

    hub1100 Notebook Evangelist

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    Disk cloning software does exist BUT I would back up all the data to an external before I went that route.
    Although a fresh install 'might' be more time consuming, it would also give you a new index and faster machine. If you are planning on selling/ swapping out your 11 for a 15, other thread, you should also know how to do a fresh install so you dont allow any information to be forwarded with your m11x when it leaves you. Think about it.
    ---
    edit: after re-reading your thread: I dont believe the drivers are going to work if you swap out an m11x hard dive into an m15x. others input on this idea?
     
    hub1100, Oct 6, 2010
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  3. Xalgon

    Xalgon Notebook Consultant

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    The m11x would be going back to Dell. And if by fresh install, you mean formatting it and re-installing a clean OS on it, that much I could do.

    I just dread having to re-download all of my Oblivion and Fallout 3 mods - that could be a nightmare and a half. Now I kinda wish I had an external...

    EDIT: I guess my next question is this. If I choose not to clone a whole drive itself, is there any way I could copy, say, Oblivion, and have it act as though it were installed? It's kinda a long shot I'm sure, but I figure I should ask anyways.
     
    Xalgon, Oct 6, 2010
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  4. hub1100

    hub1100 Notebook Evangelist

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    I own more than 2 Terra Bytes (total) of 4 external Hard Drives. Absolutely the best investments I have ever made. IF speed makes a difference, invest in Firewire type drives. I do not fear a computer crash, ever. Use your tools, search the web for a deal, you will not regret it.
    newegg, amazon, tiger direct, best buy
    --
    btw, my m15x is rock solid, ive rebuilt it once just to make sure i could.
    --
    i couldnt answer Xalgon's edit question... anyone else know about Oblivion ?
     
    hub1100, Oct 6, 2010
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  5. granyte

    granyte ATI+AMD -> DAAMIT

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    you could theoricaly just swap the hdd and watch windows reinstall the needed drivers for you but that would result on a reduced performances


    for file transfer as i'm dealing with a lots of crashed computer that i need to recover datas and stuff i got my self one of these they work with usb or esata
    ThinkGeek :: External USB SATA Drive Dock
     
    granyte, Oct 7, 2010
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