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    2011 e420 and crucial 256 m4 not getting along

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by court3, May 26, 2012.

  1. court3

    court3 Newbie

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    Hey guys, first post, glad to be here among other ThinkPad enthusiasts! I just bought my e420 with i5 about 2 months ago and I love it. I upgraded the RAM from 4 to 8 GB with Micron's Crucial without incident. However, I ordered the Crucial 256 GB M4 SSD and the integration has been a nightmare... I had already created a set of recovery disks on my thinkpad and I planed to do a fresh install onto the ssd when I got it. Well, the hardware swap was a cinch. But, when I tried to run the first disk it wouldn't run. So, I ordered a set from Lenovo. Well, the disks ran but after the installation the machine wouldn't boot because it said the boot manager was missing and the repair disk didnt even see any OS at all. The machine is in AHCI mode and the bios sees the ssd but it will not run the windows 7 OS. Does anyone know if these things are incompatible???? The e420 came with a 500 GB Seagate 7200 RPM HDD. I know there is software in the Thinkpad to halt the actuator arm of the HDD in certain situations in the ThinkVantage software so is that going to cause an issue for the ssd??? Micron swears up and down they are compatible but I just don't know. I am currently waiting for Micron to send me the Cloning EZ Gig software and cable but I don't know if that is going to work either... I've read that Thinkpad drives can't be cloned so that's why I didn't order the data transfer kit to begin with. Should I just get my money back????? Please help me guys!!!!! :confused:
     
    court3, May 26, 2012
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  2. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    There's no reason it shouldn't be compatible. You may have to do a fresh install of Windows 7 though, as the recovery media may only work with an "approved" Thinkpad configuration.
     
    HTWingNut, May 26, 2012
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  3. court3

    court3 Newbie

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    Thanks s lot bro. I really appreciate the response. So, I'll give the cloning software a try and go forward with the upgrade then. I just hope that I'm not setting myself up for a major disappointment because I really do love this thing....
     
    court3, May 26, 2012
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  4. Jarhead

    Jarhead 恋の♡アカサタナ

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    Another way to get Windows ISO from Digital River and use your OEM key to install a fresh copy of Windows onto the SSD, which is what I did when I received my Intel 320. You burn the ISO onto a DVD, reboot the laptop with the DVD in (and the SSD installed) and install Windows. Afterwards, install your usual programs and data, and enjoy.

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html

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    Lol, ever since joining NBR, I've noticed more people from South Carolina joining up as well. First one from the PeeDee though... Welcome!
     
    Jarhead, May 29, 2012
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