replacing hdd in hp probook 4740s with a samsung ssd?

[eazyh]

Hi

I currently have a slow hdd in my hp probook 4740s laptop. Instead of going ahead and building a whole new small itx build, will it be possible to swap out the hdd and input a ssd without any issues? if possible then will it be easy to move the os and everything onto the ssd? Thanks

 

[Ubrales]

Yes you can swap out the old HDD with a new SSD. You need to clone the old HDD on to the new SSD.

Backup before you do anything. Backup to an external drive.

For cloning (making an exact copy of the entire disk) you need to connect the hard disk to your present computer OR to a different computer and then use a cloning software. There are a few good free cloning software that you can download and run.

There is Acronis (free download from WD's website)

Clonezilla: http/clonezilla.org/

Apricorn (this is what I use): http/www.apricorn.com/products/software/ezgig.html

EaseUS: http/www.easeus.com/backup-software/ (I have used this) - look for the clone option.

After you clone the hard disk, use the newly cloned hard disk in place of the old hard disk.

Make a backup of the new setup.

 

[eazyh]

Thanks Ubrales. How about the samsung data migration software that comes with the 840 pro series ssd. what do you think about using that over the cloning method you mentioned?

 

[ex_bubblehead]

When moving from HD to SSD it's always better to reinstall everything clean. Cloning is a hit/miss proposition in this case.

 

[Ubrales]

Thanks Ubrales. How about the samsung data migration software that comes with the 840 pro series ssd. what do you think about using that over the cloning method you mentioned?

Yes Samsung's software works great and will do the job.

I agree with the above poster; a clean install will work very well. However, you need to install all of your software all over again. A 'clone' operation will give you an exact copy of what you have at present, and this includes fragmented files, PUPs, virus if any. In the past I have had very good experiences with cloning; worked well every time. I used Apricorn's free software (requires Apricorn's Drivewire hardware).