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    Best way to replace HD in new computer: clone or re-install?

    Discussion in 'HP' started by Radish5, Feb 12, 2009.

  1. Radish5

    Radish5 Notebook Geek

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    Hi,

    I've got an HDX 16t due to ship next week (if those chinese factory workers aren't slacking off! :D ) and I plan on replacing the 5400 RPM HD with a 7200 RPM HD.

    What's the best way to accomplish this hard drive switch? I figured I'd just install Vista and the required drivers on the new hard drive but I've read that some people clone the existing hard drive onto the new hard drive.

    While that sounds easier will it result in a reliable install? Is one way better than the other?

    Thanks!

    Paul
     
    Radish5, Feb 12, 2009
    #1
  2. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    If you need to keep the existing programs and settings, clone. Otherwise, reinstall
     
    gerryf19, Feb 12, 2009
    #2
  3. j-dogg

    j-dogg Notebook Evangelist

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    considering you dont even have the laptop yet and you haven't put anything on it, i would just do a clean install, not like you have to back up any of your personal files
     
    j-dogg, Feb 12, 2009
    #3
  4. Radish5

    Radish5 Notebook Geek

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    Is that just a matter of making the backup disks then using them with the new hard drive installed?

    Thanks,

    Paul
     
    Radish5, Feb 12, 2009
    #4
  5. j-dogg

    j-dogg Notebook Evangelist

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    that method will reinstall windows with the bloatware from the factory. if you wanna do a clean install follow the guid that's stickied at the top of the forum.
     
    j-dogg, Feb 12, 2009
    #5
  6. mgh_a1

    mgh_a1 Notebook Evangelist

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    with a new machine, I think the best way to go is to just delete all partitions, reformat and reinstall the OS and go from scratch. Once you have all of your favorite programs and settings in place, I would take an image of the OS and use that as a form of emergency recovery.

    Most of the time things seem to run better after all of that trouble. I went from 85 running processes down to about 67. Though, you should be able to get into the 50s if you really want to get picky. And yes, just about all of the Pre-Loaded vendor crap had to go. You just have to remind yourself to actually go out and look for updates once in awhile.
     
    mgh_a1, Feb 12, 2009
    #6
  7. Radish5

    Radish5 Notebook Geek

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    I have a copy of Vista 64 Home Premium that I used for my homebuilt desktop. Can I use that to install the OS on the new laptop, using the laptops Vista key for activation? Or is the version of Vista tied to HP hardware? I remember vendors did that a few years back, don't know if they still do.

    Thanks,

    Paul
     
    Radish5, Feb 12, 2009
    #7
  8. nephipower

    nephipower Notebook Consultant

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    nephipower, Feb 12, 2009
    #8