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    What is procedure of putting os on new hd

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by pi3guy, Jan 29, 2009.

  1. pi3guy

    pi3guy Notebook Consultant

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    So if I wanted to replace a harddrive in a new t400 or t500, after the hardware is replaced, how do I get vista os and thinkvantage software back on new harddrive? There won't be any user data on the original hd. Can I use any recovery cds I make from the original hd? am I forced to buy a new copy of vista?
    overall, how difficult is this process? I don't want to buy any usb hd enclosures or anything like that.
     
    pi3guy, Jan 29, 2009
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  2. Purehazard

    Purehazard Notebook Evangelist

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    You should be able to just boot off the recovery CDs and install that way.
     
    Purehazard, Jan 29, 2009
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  3. pi3guy

    pi3guy Notebook Consultant

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    pi3guy, Jan 29, 2009
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  4. Purehazard

    Purehazard Notebook Evangelist

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    I've done it with Toshiba, MSI, Asus, Acer, Compaq and Sony notebooks. Can't vouch for Dell, HP or Lenovo.
     
    Purehazard, Jan 29, 2009
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  5. jaredy

    jaredy Notebook Virtuoso

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    You could also mirror over the drive if you put them in an external enclosure first and get some image/mirroring software.

    But you should be able to reinstall the OS just fine from recovery media.
     
    jaredy, Jan 29, 2009
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  6. Purehazard

    Purehazard Notebook Evangelist

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    Didn't even know they made 400GB 2.5" hard drives... Anyways, yes, any 2.5" SATA hard drive should work.

    I've used Acronis Migrate Easy to move from an old 120GB drive to a new 320GB drive without issue. I just installed the software and had my new 320GB plugged in via USB (with an external enclosure of course) and left it to migrate overnight. Popped the new drive in and voila!
     
    Purehazard, Jan 29, 2009
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  7. The Fire Snake

    The Fire Snake Notebook Virtuoso

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    Make sure the drive is SATA though, not IDE...
     
    The Fire Snake, Jan 29, 2009
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  8. zillal

    zillal Notebook Consultant

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    zillal, Jan 30, 2009
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  9. Purehazard

    Purehazard Notebook Evangelist

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    Purehazard, Jan 30, 2009
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  10. Specialista

    Specialista Notebook Geek

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    You can replace with any 2.5" SATA internal drive. The only tool you will need is an appropriate screwdriver.

    You do not need to purchase a new copy of Windows. Follow these instructions to replicate Vista on your new drive.
     
    Specialista, Feb 8, 2009
    #10