SSD boot drive

Hi, I just purchased an Alienware M17x r4 from btotech and I am planning on getting an ssd to use for a boot drive. I have been doing some reading around on the forums and it seems it can be quite complicated trying to get windows 7 on the ssd along with the proper software and drivers. I have found this ssd from crucial with a data transfer kit: CT128M4SSD2CCA - 128GB, 2.5-inch Solid State Drive , from Crucial.com

If I use this transfer kit to clone the original HDD when I open it out of the box and clone everything to the ssd, will I just be able to boot from ssd with no extra installation and be able to format the existing drive?

Also, I will be using Alien Respawn before all this as soon as I open out of the box to keep a backup. I hear there is a type of format that the ssd should be on (NTFS or something). How would I format the ssd to this before I use the data transfer kit to clone everything over?

Many Thanks!

 

You can just use the Data transfer kit to clone your HDD to your SSD and, technically, it whould mean that the exact image is installed onto your SSD, meaning everything would be the same as it is now.
Some users prefer a totally "clean" installation so that everything is as clean as a whistle and the drive is correctly aligned. If you chose to re-install windows onto the SSD, you will find this thread very helpful: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...er-install-order-guide-alienware-systems.html

Either way, once you have the SSD installed, you can format (NTFS quick format) your original HDD and use it as an additional storage drive by assigning it a drive letter and formatting it.

 

Stevie, your knowledge on this forum is greatly appreciated. I have read a lot of helpful things in different threads you have written. Thanks for being such a great resource!

I wanted to follow up just a little on your reply above to the OP. I have pretty much convinced myself that a clean install of Windows is the way to go when my new machine arrives next week (already have the SSD here waiting for it). However, I have read on some websites that people have had good success cloning. My question is would attempting to clone even be worth it?

I have never in my life done a re-install of Windows, or added any new OS drive. I have added additional data drives but obviously that is different. My understanding is that the Samsung drives have a software called Magician that will help ensure you get all settings correct for an SSD. However, I've also read about potential alignment issues from cloning. Installing all the correct drivers seems a little daunting to me at this time.

What is going to be the easiest and best way to approach this for a total novice to such an endeavor? Is cloning a legit option, or are the potential issues too significant and should I just bite the bullet and do a fresh install as intimidating as it may seem?

 

Don't bother cloning. Just create the restore DVDs, swap the HD with SSD, then boot to the DVDs and restore to your SSD.

 

I have read a few people on other websites saying the same thing today. Any specific advantage of that method over cloning?

I think the term "cloning" is being used somewhat loosely on some websites. Basically, most users are simply trying to move OS and driver files from the HDD to the SSD with minimal effort/complications. Sounds like people are having good success with this way of doing things.

If doing that, should the SSD be installed and firmware updated if needed first? If fact, should that be done prior to any method of moving the OS to the SSD?

 

I am now thinking of doing a clean install on the ssd and keep the original hdd with all its contents off to the side, and once I get all systems running (Drivers installed etc) I would then wipe the hdd and just use it has a secondary drive with a new directory (all after I first create a backup disk from the "out of box" system). If I ever have any issues with the ssd I could just pop in the hdd with everything still retained on the drive.

 

By all means, as jywang suggested, you can try the method of booting from the Respawn media to the new SSD, sometimes its hit and miss as Respawn can be a bit tempremental when respawning to a different drive size. Some people report success when the drives are closely sized, others report failure to respawn at all. Maybe worth a shot to avoid work but it's not a clean install....which is what I would do.

It may seem daunting but its quite straightforward really. Make sure you have ALL the relevant system drivers downloaded to a disc or USB. Install windows to the SSD by putting the Win7 disc in, rebooting and hit F12 when you see the large alienface splashscreen....select boot from cd/dvd and Windows will start install.

At this point, let windows do its thing and once done, you can then start installing the drivers from cd/USB in the order mentioned in the clean install guide. Leave Command Center till last, before installing it, make sure windows is completely up to date and Command Centre is the last driver to be installed.

Hey presto - clean install!

BTW, thanks for the kind words, coach - much appreciated!