Windows 7: Installing SSD into Dell XPS 17 L502x but stripped screw

Hi there.
I have a problem. Currently I am using a 7200 rpm hard drive and I recently bought a SSD. I want to install windows into the SSD but before I do that I read that I have to remove the original HDD during installation. However, there is a stripped screw stopping me from removing the HDD. What are some options for me?

Have you tried using a needle-nosed pliers with extreme patience, steady hand and dynamic tension?

nope. My friend suggested that I install windows into the ssd from a desktop and then hook it back up to my laptop.

If you have a second HD port on that laptop then go ahead and install SSD. If you have an OS already on the HD it will configure a Dual Boot - which we can later help you remove.

If you don't want that then enter BIOS setup to disable the HD temporarily while you install to the SSD. After install re-enable the HD to access it's data, wipe it when you don't want the OS any longer after backing up data, or to boot HD use the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key to trigger the HD.

A third option if you can't do either of the above before installing to SSD is to offload your data externally then wipe the HD first with Diskpart Clean Command from Windows 7 DVD accessing DISKPART At PC Startup.

Steps for getting a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

I think I'm gonna try to see if I can disable the HDD. Btw my laptop has 2 hard drive bays.