SSD Questions on New Computer

I have 2 laptops that broke. But both hard drives should be working. Both are samsung 250gb SSD. Both have information there because i used it and well both laptops broke.

1.

I was told if i want to transfer files from these internal ssd to an external hard drive, I need one of these right?

https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-2-5-I...+usb+enclosure

https://www.amazon.com/ORICO-Tool-fr...+usb+enclosure


Does it matter if its usb 2.0 or usb 3.0? I assume yes so make sure you get usb 3.0 since a usb 2.0 might have issues with the computer?


2. I will be buying a brand new computer and im not 100 percent sure it will include an ssd or not. But let say it does but i want to use my samsung pro ssd as oppose to the ones in the laptop. It seems they give the sandisk ssd... but is using that and the samsung pro ssd the same? Or could the sandisk be actually slower? I read online that samsung ssd is best so even if same size, best to swap them?

The other issue i have is my 2 samsung ssd pro still have information in it. One of them have files from my important computer that broke. The other one has files but not important ones but i like to transfer these files to external hard drive. So what is my plan here? Transfer these files to the external hard drive, but how do i delete everything on the ssd hard drive and wipe it out clean? I want to wipe it all fully where there is no virus or stuff like that.


3. When you get a new laptop, let say you want to change the hard drive immediately. Do you replace the hard drive whether is a regular one or SSD to your SSD immediately before you power on windows? Then you register the computer from there? The thing is wouldn't i need to do this first with whatever laptop i have since if i want to erase the files on my ssd, i need a computer that is working etc? Im typing this from a desktop computer. But could i stick my old ssd to this computer with the enclosure, delete it, then put the ssd into new computer and take the hard drive that comes with computer out?


4. Is there a way to test if a hard drive is good and not damaged? Such that it might cause damage to a new computer as in you don't want to put a bad hard drive into the new one?


5. Same question about what about ram? Most computers have 8gb ram so if you have extra ram, say you want to put 4gb ram more or 8gb ram, assuming that laptop went bad, is the ram still safe to put on the new laptop?

paulyjames said:

~snip~

Hi there :)

1. You can use a regular SATA to USB cable such as this one as 2.5" drives (SSDs, SSHDs, HDDs, etc.) don't need additional power and can be powered using only the USB ports. Using a regular 2.5" USB external enclosure is also a good option. If you have a regular dock station you can use that too.
Plugging those SSDs internally as secondary storage devices should also work and give you access to the data in them. Simply make sure that the OS drive stays on top in the boot priority in the BIOS.
You can use either USB2.0 or USB3.0, the only difference would be the transfer speed. :)

2. You should be able to freely reuse your current SSDs in any computer. All you have to do, if you plan on having the OS on them, is to back up the data from the old boot (C) partition, delete it along with the old system and recovery partitions, and then install the fresh new OS on that SSD. This will create a new system registry so all games and applications will need to be reinstalled too.

3. Mind that changing storage drives in a new laptop may void our warranty so I'd consult with the manufacturer on that. You can connect any drive to any system as a secondary drive (if that system has another storage drive that carries a OS), wipe it clean and then install it as a new drive in a laptop, but you will need to put a new Os on that drive as the old OS will be gone with the old drive.

4. The manufacturer of the drive should have a diagnostic tool provided on their website. For example, for WD drives the appropriate tool is WD Data Lifeguard Diagnostic. Another thing you could do is use another tool to get the raw values of the S.M.A.R.T. status of any drive and see what it can show you. If you are not sure how to read it feel free to post it here. :)

5. Each laptop has a maximum amount of memory (RAM) that it supports. You should check your manual for that amount as well as for what memory type is compatible with your laptop. You can't simply get any RAM stick and place it in any RAM slot.

Hope all of this helps! Feel free to ask if there are any questions!

Captain_WD.

Hey guys thanks for response. I bought a new laptop online but issue though it has a 1tb hard drive 5400 rpm and a 32gb ssd. I want to use a 250gb ssd. I have 2 of these. There is no point of buying a new ssd right since i still have 2 old samsung pro ssd from 2 laptops that dont work?


The thing is the ssd in my asus laptop that no longer works, i have nothing in that ssd that i need. Thus i want to wipe it fully and use this ssd in my new laptop. Is there a way for me to wipe it fully at the moment? Heres the issue, this asus laptop keyboard doesnt not work. Basically motherboard is broken. So you cant even really click on things. Example u want to click on my documents, you can but when clicking actual folder, u cannot. You have to right click then open in new window. Any pics you have to do the same. So guess i cannot wipe this ssd right?


So i need the Enclosure to do this? Im using a desktop now. So get the enclosure... put this asus ssd in it, then wipe it clean? Three is 180gb free out of 232 gb on this ssd. What program do i use to wipe it all?

Hi there.


Laptop is dell xps 15 9550 i5 HQ6300 processor

8GB RAM, 1.0TB HD 5400RPM + 32GB mSATA SSD


Does that tell you about which SSD i could use?



Yeah, you could remove it from the laptop and connect it up to some other PC, such as your desktop, and wipe it there. But why do you need to wipe it at all? You can reuse it without formally "wiping" it.

Can you explain this? You telling me putting this on a new laptop will wipe everything just like that and be brand new? I didn't know that. I thought you were basically using your old computer on the new one with this. Is there something im missing here? Okay so let say i bring my samsung pro ssd to a repair shop and asked them i want to replace this new laptop ssd with this ssd. They don't need to wipe anything? And if they do, how long does it take? There is about 232gb total on it and about 180gb free. The reason why there is many gb still used is b/c last time i did a format, i didn't delete the things in the laptop and it still is in it. About the wiping thing... well i want to wipe all the files in my ssd because i figure i need it brand new when putting in new laptop?


Okay so forget about buying that enclosure for $10 online right since i probably would have issues even using it? Thus the repair shop could do this pretty easily? But is it better to keep an enclosure just in case?


My ssd is called Samsung SSD 840. The other is called Samsung SSD 840 Evo.

3: Decide if you want to do a clean install onto the Samsung Pro or if you just want to transfer the Windows installation now on the new laptop to the Samsung Pro. If you want to transfer, you'd either clone or image the existing installation. I'd go with imaging. If you want to do a clean install, you need installation media of some type and a Windows 7 "Product Key". Do you have such a key? I'm assuming you are not using Win 8 or 10.


My 2 laptops are a sager np2740 and the other is an asus u45jc-a1. Both uses windows 7. On the back of the computer, there is a sticker with numbers so yes that should be the product key.


Im confused what you mean with the


Decide if you want to do a clean install onto the Samsung Pro or if you just want to transfer the Windows installation now on the new laptop to the Samsung Pro


You mean decide if you want to switch the ssds first before starting up the new laptop? Or just starting the laptop when i get it then once done with installation, then bring it to computer repair shop? If so, which do you recommend? Also another important thing...since i will have the ssd replaced, wouldn't this void the warranty immediately? But say when i got the laptop then tried to install windows... then once i do ... well laptop is fine. Then i go to repair shop to switch the hard drives... would this be a better idea in case something wrong with the laptop when i first got it? I just thought about this. I do believe the warranty gets voided if you open the laptop up? Of course this is necessary if you want to upgrade ssd, ram etc.



If you intend to do a clean install, you shouldn't have to buy an enclosure as far as I can see.

Question: did this new laptop come with it's own Windows installation and Product Key?

Question: do you currently own any type of external drive that can be connected to the new laptop, probably by USB cable?



But if i want to transfer files from my other samsung evo 840 to a hard drive, yes i would need the enclosure?

I have not received the new laptop yet. I should receive it soon. I'm assuming it should come with windows installation and product key? Its a dell xps 9550 hq 6300 processor.


I have a 1TB External Hard Drive that connects to a computer by USB.

paulyjames said:

Hi there.


Laptop is dell xps 15 9550 i5 HQ6300 processor

8GB RAM, 1.0TB HD 5400RPM + 32GB mSATA SSD


Does that tell you about which SSD i could use?

1. First, do re-write the spec on your profile with the spec on the invoice with the laptop.
This is to avoid unnecessary wrong details, as most buyer may make some changes, from the original.

2. Also the Windows version on the website show Windows 10, which the Ten Forum may be a better choice to seek their opinion.


Regarding to 1.0TB HD + 32GB mSATA SSD

This is a bit tricky, as where the system is stored is in question, which most probably in 1.0TB HDD

My suggestion.

Avoid making any changes to your laptop only after a period, say 1 year in use, or 6 months.

Reason:
1. Warranty. Should you do any opening on the computer, your warranty will be void & null.

2. Your existing Samsung SSD is not brand new, will it able to re-install properly without any issue.
For your info, my 1st purchase on Samsung SSD failed to work, and went to 1 to 1 exchange.
As you had mentioned to test the new SSD or HDD in the new laptop. This is where point 3 is for, backup.
What is the point to re-install.
Just start using by doing all the nec setting as you prefer, such as system restore, windows updates, etc.

3. Clone &or Image and look for the Recovery Partition, as new laptop are come with it.
If possible, look for "Macrium Reflect" on this website, to do a clone /image of your brand new laptop.
There are plenty of instruction on this tutorial on Macrium Reflect.
You can do both Clone & Image to your 2 Samsung SSD.
And include an Recovery Partition to Samsung SSD, which should fit as Recovery partition size will not big.


4. For RAM, you should do it at the point when you buy the laptop.
This will save you for; (1) you pay cheaper; (2) no spare RAM.
Next time, remember to do all nec changes at the point on buying. Note my very 1 statement; First....


The 2 OLD laptops.

I too had 2 laptops failed. But decide to repair it, and now working as usual.

You can sent both laptops to the same repair shops.
But i am not sure your country do have laptop repair shops.
Mine country, Singapore, do have hundred of laptop repair shops and at least half of them in one mall alone.

My suggestion.
At the repair shop, give him an specific instruction.
1. Do complete check on the state of the condition of failed parts & components.
2. Which laptop is better to save or use as spare parts replacement, if possible.

The main suggestion is to target 1 laptop with less damages Or no major damage on the motherboard.
In this way, the laptop can be repaired and you can continue to use it as spare for testing &or other uses.
Windows OS will not be a issue as you can use the same Windows OS, as motherboard is repair, not replace.

This is my recommendations.

paulyjames said:

I have not received the new laptop yet. I should receive it soon. I'm assuming it should come with windows installation and product key? Its a dell xps 9550 hq 6300 processor.


I have a 1TB External Hard Drive that connects to a computer by USB.

I did not read this, your post when i wrote.


Important.

If you need to make any changes, you have to do it before delivery.
Not to worry about Windows OS and activation, as it is the seller that have to do it.

Ask if you want to upgrade your RAM higher, check the technical spec and increase as you wish.
In this way, you are assure of the RAM usage is good, as any fault, they have to fix it for your.

HDD or SSD. Check for any other options, and from there, you can make Your Decision.


Let your old SSD to wait if you still intent to repair one of the laptop or even both, without much cost.
FYI.
My Laptop motherboard is repair cost S$100 = US $73 (Exchange rate: S$1 = US$0.73)

Regards
Eric.