Installing an SSD on a Lenovo Thinkpad T410

[GanzHD]

Hello!
I'm in quite a problem here. My T410 has a hard drive that's slow and I want to replace it. That's fine, I have an ssd. I want to use the ssd as a boot drive because it only has 120gb. Is there a way I can just transfer windows ( I have Windows 10 32bit) onto the hard drive? Or do I have to fresh install it?

Thanks!

 

[Rabmac]

Some of the SSDs come with software that lets you clone the drive. However, if you do not have that option you can download Macrium Reflect Free and clone the drive using this free software.

Personally, I would probably just image the old HDD in case anything went wrong and do a fresh install on the new SSD as you will probably get better performance.

 

[GanzHD]

I forgot to mention this but my current hdd is 240gb that's why I'm trying to just transfer the OS.

 

[Rabmac]

THings to do on HDD before cloning:

1. Transfer all personal files to external drive.
2. Run disk cleanup, make sure you get all system files & old system restores.
3. delete old windows updates from cWindows/Software Distribution - Delete the Download folder.
4. Use revouninstaller in advanced mode to remove all programs you don't need or use anymore.
5. Use CCleaner to remove all temporary files
6. Run Windows Repair Tool in safe mode (while this won't really save space it will mean that your Windows clone is in good working order before moving to SSD): http/www.tweaking.com/content/page/windows_repair_all_in_one.html

After you do this it should fit on your new SSD.

 

[GanzHD]

I was thinking of doing this but yours is probably better.

1. Back up my hdd.
2. Get an Iso file of Windows on a usb and install it on the new ssd (laptop came with a product key)
3.format hdd
4. Install the hdd after Windows is installed

Will this work?
Also will my Mcafee virus protection and programs such as Windows be preserved if I do this?

 

[Rabmac]

Yes that should work, just remember to disconnect your HDD before doing fresh install on the SSD and enable AHCI mode in BIOS.

You may also want to use Magical Jelly Bean to get your product key if you don't already know it.

 

[GanzHD]

Thanks Rabmac!

 

[GanzHD]

Also is there a way to get around the formatting of the hdd? As in is there a way that I can just install it again and all my data is there?

 

[hang-the-9]

I was thinking of doing this but yours is probably better.

1. Back up my hdd.
2. Get an Iso file of Windows on a usb and install it on the new ssd (laptop came with a product key)
3.format hdd
4. Install the hdd after Windows is installed

Will this work?
Also will my Mcafee virus protection and programs such as Windows be preserved if I do this?

That laptop only has one drive spot, you can't install the second hard drive unless you use a optical bay adapter. You will need to re-install all the programs on the new Windows setup.

If you don't format the original drive, all your files will be on it when you plug it in.

 

[GanzHD]

Alright thanks

 

[GanzHD]

Okay new deal!!!!!
I have recently acquired a 320gb hdd that is compatible with my laptop. What I want to do now is clone the old hard drive on to the 320gb and keep my ssd as a boot drive. Is there anyway to make this possible?

 

[hang-the-9]

Okay new deal!!!!!
I have recently acquired a 320gb hdd that is compatible with my laptop. What I want to do now is clone the old hard drive on to the 320gb and keep my ssd as a boot drive. Is there anyway to make this possible?

The T410 only has one drive bay unless you replace the optical drive with a drive caddy, so no you can't do what you want and have dual drives. If you want to replace the drive with an SSD, either get rid of files and programs off the drive so you can clone it to the drive, or get a larger SSD that can hold your files.