Using ThinkVantage Tools to transfer OS from HDD to SSD?

Hi everyone. I recently purchased a ThinkPad T420 from Lenovo and an mSata SSD (80gb) off Newegg. I installed the drive properly and my computer recognizes the drive, etc. Now, when I bought my ThinkPad, I didn't purchase a physical copy of Windows 7 because when I go to college next year, I'll be able to get a super cheap copy (like 7 dollars). So I'm stuck with the problem of getting my operating system from my factory installed HDD to my self installed SSD. How would I go about doing this?

Things I have:
-External Hard drive
-CD-RW discs (made one into a Rescue and Recovery Start Up Disc using the Rescue and Recovery software)
-ThinkVantage Tools
- Patch for Rescue and Recovery

Should I be doing this using Lenovo's built in tools? Also, I was wondering if/how/when I should partition my SSD for my OS. I don't have any experience doing this, but I've read that it's pretty important.


Thank you! I'm still learning, so I appreciate your patience :]

 

You may want to read this thread. I'm not saying that ThinkVantage Tools won't work, but most people use other methods.

John