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    HELP! Setting up SSD and Ram (XPS 17)

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by eaglez21, Feb 26, 2012.

  1. eaglez21

    eaglez21 Notebook Consultant

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    Hey guys,

    Getting my XPS 17 on Tuesday
    Getting 128gb SSD and 8gb of ram from Newegg ~Tuesday

    My question is; Should I install these two peices of hardware before I even turn my laptop on for the first time? Because if I get my laptop on Tuesday and the SSD or ram isnt there yet, its going to be tough not to turn it on and get it set up. Any kind of explanation on the process that goes into installing these peices of hardware would be appreciated

    Also, is it easy to transfer files and programs between my new SSD and the existing dell hardrive? Or is it best to try and keep files and programs on one hardrive?

    Thanks!
     
    eaglez21, Feb 26, 2012
    #1
  2. robcope

    robcope Notebook Evangelist

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    I ordered the hybrid 750 GB from seagate. I am simply going to clone my C drive using software seagate has on it's site for free. I will let you know how it works.
     
    robcope, Feb 27, 2012
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  3. mknott

    mknott Notebook Enthusiast

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    As part of the setup you make some DVDs that are an copy of your HDD so your best off turning ya laptop on first and making the DVDs. Then when there done turn it off and put the SSD and ram in, fire it up and use the DVDs to recreate the HDD as it woild have been had you used the HDD that came with it.

    To install them is easy, just flip the laptop over and remove the panel. The ram just clips in. The hdds are held in by 4 screws, when the HDD is removed take the caddy off it and pop it on your SSD and refit :)
     
    mknott, Feb 27, 2012
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  4. robcope

    robcope Notebook Evangelist

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    I bought the DVD's when I bought the system. Will these have everything on them that came on my L702X?
     
    robcope, Feb 27, 2012
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  5. Sam_A_1992

    Sam_A_1992 Notebook Evangelist

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    Sam_A_1992, Feb 27, 2012
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  6. mknott

    mknott Notebook Enthusiast

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    No them DVDs you bought is for if you want to do a clean install. I don't know if all software can be reinstalled again though
     
    mknott, Feb 27, 2012
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  7. morfmedia

    morfmedia Notebook Geek

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    I'd boot it first and maybe even run some HW diagnostics just to check everything is ok before you swap anything out. Personally I'd install windows from scratch, if you clone HDD quite often you'll end up with disk misalignment.
     
    morfmedia, Feb 27, 2012
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  8. robcope

    robcope Notebook Evangelist

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    Not really sure what you are saying. I cloned my hard drive last night. Did it manually to ensure proper alignment of the partitions and all is perfect. I love this 750 GB hybrid drive. Windows is much faster, so I get a few of the benefits of SSD with a 750 GB drive. I am really happy with my decision.
     
    robcope, Feb 28, 2012
    #8