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    what do I need to do after I put in new HD?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by jaxxx, Feb 26, 2008.

  1. jaxxx

    jaxxx Notebook Consultant

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    Im planningon getting a bigger HD for my T61...installation is pretty straight forward but what do I need to do before and after installing my new HD?

    anyone knows what type of HD my t61 uses?
     
    jaxxx, Feb 26, 2008
    #1
  2. D3X

    D3X the robo know it all

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    Your notebook should be using SATA.

    Depending on how you want to do it. You will need to backup your data before proceeding. Secondly you need to decide if you want to "Clone" your existing Windows or install a "Fresh" copy of Windows. Both of these procedures are very different.

    Clone:
    You will most likely need a 3rd party utility, the softwares I recommend are Acronis TrueImage or Paragon Disk Manager. Both can make an exact copy of your harddisk onto the new one and resizing the drive to your brand larger drive. So how will you do that? well you will need to purchase an HDD Enclosure 2.5" USB or Firewire (whichever you prefer) for your drive. For example: Vantec Nexstar 3 2.5" USB enclosure, then simply use the Software to clone your 2 drives connected. Once it's done, simply swap the drives and your ready to go and ontop of that you get to use your old drive for more additional storage with the enclosure. This is the easiest and fastest way, the only problem is the software as this does not come with Windows.

    New Windows:
    You will need to use your Recovery DVD(you will need to ask Lenovo experts on this if you have or where to order). This will install a brand new Windows, just like when you first bought the system.
     
    D3X, Feb 26, 2008
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  3. jaxxx

    jaxxx Notebook Consultant

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    I do have an ext HD enclosure I can use...
    also as far as new windows, lenovo has thinkvantage, but im not sure if I can just use it when I install my new HD and load windows.


    btw im thinking about getting the hitachi 200 gb 7200 rpm
     
    jaxxx, Feb 26, 2008
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  4. DVSman

    DVSman Notebook Consultant

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    D3X answered on the nose. I'm using quite a few Hitachis (7k200) 200gb 7,200rpm drives. 1 in my XPS 1210, 1 in my PS3 and 2 (raid 0)in my P6831FX. All of them are working quietly and quickly with no problems to report whatsoever.

    Good drives for sure - I say go for it.
     
    DVSman, Feb 26, 2008
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  5. ejl

    ejl fudge

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    if you clone your hard drive, everything that was on your old hd will be on your new hd. thus, thinkvantage should be functional.
     
    ejl, Feb 26, 2008
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  6. jaxxx

    jaxxx Notebook Consultant

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    cloning seems like a good way to go.

    but if I do deicde to do a whole new windows, while using the external HD with my new HD in it, can I go ahead and load all the drivers in it before uninstalling the old HD and just load my OS when I plug the new HD in?

    hope that made sense
     
    jaxxx, Feb 26, 2008
    #6