Dell xps l502x, installation of new SSD using factory image from USB?

[MBorrick]

Hi all, new member from the UK.
Due to a dying HDD I have bought a Crucial 512gig m100 ssd. I don't think I'll have any problems installing it physically and have picked up some tips on setting bios here on these boards. The only thing is I can't seem to find a thread describing what I want to accomplish. All I want to do is by using dells data safe utility to create a bootable USB of the factory image, replace the hard drive with the ssd and install the factory image.
I don't want to migrate or clone anything, just a reset to as I first bought the machine.
Will it be as simple as what I have just described or will there be problems using this method? I will make sure my copy of data safe is up to date before I create the factory image. A clean install is no longer possible for me as recently the digital river servers have been taken down and Microsoft won't supply my os as I only have a OEM coa.
Some hand holding I know but I have never had to replace a drive before.
Cheers

 

[gregrocker]

The English and Spanish servers were still up as of today: Win7 Home Premium x64 SP1 English Official ISO download

You should create your Recovery media anyway, then can use it if necessary by booting it.

 

[MBorrick]

Thanks for the reply, but as for the recovery media, just to get my machine up and running on a new drive, there should be no problems? I do fully intend on a clean install in the near future. Luckily the xps I own is very light on bloatware.

 

[gregrocker]

I won't vouch for any Factory Recovery so you'll need to do the research starting with the Manual on the your model's Support Downloads webpage. There may also be more on the PC's Support webpages.

If you're really lucky Recovery Media will offer HP's Minimal Recovery which is often available during HP System Recovery that is nearly the same as the Clean Reinstall with just the HP Wireless manager bloatware to uninstall.