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    Vostro HDD Upgrade

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Manshu, Mar 13, 2008.

  1. Manshu

    Manshu Notebook Enthusiast

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    I just got my Vostro 1500 in about a week ago and Im starting to have to dump stuff onto my External HDD.

    It came with a 80GB HDD (5400 RPM), which certainly is not enough. I am looking to upgrade obviously to a larger capacity. Perhaps 200 GB or 250 GB..

    I was wondering if there are any guides available in order to accomplish this? How difficult is it? How would I go about putting Windows on it? Can I make it a clone of my current HDD?

    Thanks.
     
    Manshu, Mar 13, 2008
    #1
  2. bmwrob

    bmwrob Notebook Virtuoso

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    Try this. Doesn't look too difficult.

    Not sure if there's anything special with Dell machines, but I've always just reinstalled Windows (or Linux), the same whether a clean install on a reformatted drive, or with a new hdd. Just put your disk into your machine and reboot. Probably would be best to have all your drivers ready ahead of time.
     
    bmwrob, Mar 13, 2008
    #2
  3. X2P

    X2P COOLING | NBR Super Mod

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    call dell and make them walk you through it... i did that with windows installation 5 times... only one of them legit... the others just to use my warrenty
     
    X2P, Mar 13, 2008
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  4. Hawkshark

    Hawkshark Notebook Consultant

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    bmwrob is right, youre probably MUCH better off going with a clean install of windows versus a cloned image.

    X2P is probably right, if this would be our first time installing an OS...
    But a cliff noted version of what you would have to do is:

    1. Swap the HDs.
    2. turn the laptop on and check the boot order to ensure that optical drive is on it.
    3. insert windows disk. reboot
    4. windows installation of Vista or XP is very simple. Use the Windows instlal Key on your laptop and all will be fine... Youll have a some simple questions like timezone etc. Let the whole install play out.
    5. your first windows boot on a new HD, start moving things back from the Old HD, using your external enclosure as a USB-SATA bridge :)

    Done this about 5 or 6 times for friends with the same desire/problem as you... Its simple as hell. If you don't feel comfortable at any point though call up dell. The HDD is a User replaceable part so don't worry about the warranty being affected either and it generally hard to screw it up.
     
    Hawkshark, Mar 13, 2008
    #4
  5. nizzy1115

    nizzy1115 Notebook Prophet

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    you forgot the biggest step.

    6. reinstall all your drivers from the dell disk or dells website.
     
    nizzy1115, Mar 13, 2008
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  6. Manshu

    Manshu Notebook Enthusiast

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    Which disk should I use to install Vista on it? The one that came with the Laptop?

    Thanks
     
    Manshu, Mar 13, 2008
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  7. Manshu

    Manshu Notebook Enthusiast

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    Also does anyone have any reccomendations as far as which drive to get?

    Thanks for all the help guys!
     
    Manshu, Mar 13, 2008
    #7