SSD Questions on New Computer

[paulyjames]

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-...739888&sr=8-3&keywords=external+usb+enclosure

https://www.amazon.com/ORICO-Tool-f...739888&sr=8-4&keywords=external+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?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

A lot of questions with many nuances, but here is a first stab at it, in bold:

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-...739888&sr=8-3&keywords=external+usb+enclosure

https://www.amazon.com/ORICO-Tool-f...739888&sr=8-4&keywords=external+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?


Shouldn't matter which you use to transfer files. USB 3 is quicker but USB 2 will work. Any USB port should work with either USB 2 or USB 3, although not at the same speed.


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?

In a laptop, the main consideration is the dimensions. You have to assure the SSD will actually fit into the space available for it. Regarding speed---there's only a slight chance you would ever notice a speed difference in day to day operations. I'd be more considered with reliability, capacity, price, etc.

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.

You can transfer files by ordinary drag and drop, just like from one folder to another. You can wipe any drive clean by deleting all partitions and reformatting or by using a program such as Diskpart or CCleaner to "wipe" the drive.


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?

If your new laptop already has Windows on it, it's probably already "registered". You could transfer that installation to a new drive either through cloning or imaging.

Drives generally can be moved around as you want if they will physically fit and have the proper connections.

Maybe you can re-write your question to give us more clarity.

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?

You can test it if you want, but it can drop dead 2 minutes after it passes the test. If it's bad, it won't "cause damage to a new computer", but you might lose whatever information is on it if that information is not backed up.

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?

That is on a case-by-case basis. RAM needs to be compatible with the motherboard to which it is installed and you would typically get that information from the laptop manufacturer's web site support area. That should tell you RAM specifications. There are 4 or 5 critical specs that must match for RAM to be transferable from one laptop to another.

 

[CaptainWD]

~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.

 

[paulyjames]

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?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

see comments in bold

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?

Hmmmm.....................a laptop with a 1 TB HDD and a 32 GB SSD.

Are you positive those are 2 separate and distinct pieces of hardware? I mean could you hold the HDD in your left hand and the SSD in your right hand?

You have NOT given us tha make and model of this new laptop, so we are flying blind until and unless you do that.

I'm thinking you might actually have a "hybrid" drive that is really just one unit, with the 32 GB "SSD" really just a cache for the HDD portion. That type of setup was used in some laptops.

You could use a Samsung Pro assuming it will mount--that it fits into the appropriate place in the laptop.


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?

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.



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?

Wrong. But again, why do you need to "wipe" it?


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?

Wipe, schmipe. Forget that idea for now.

If you want to use the Samsung Pro in the new laptop, think about these 3 things for now:

1: Determine if the HDD/SSD setup on the new laptop is in fact 2 pieces of hardware or just one piece. I suspect it's just one piece.

2: Find out if your Samsung Pro will in fact mount into the same spot as the current HDD/SSD--whatever it is.

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.

Worry about the rest of it AFTER you know the answers to those questions.

You can do what you have to do AFTER, I say AFTER, you get the Samsung Pro mounted inside the new laptop.

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?

 

[AddRAM]

After you install the ssd in the laptop, when you install windows just delete the entire drive to unallocated space, then click next. That`s all you have to do, it will be formatted.

Just read this tutorial. If you still have questions, just ask.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[paulyjames]

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.

 

[paulyjames]

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.

 

[Eric3742]

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.

 

[Eric3742]

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.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

See comments in bold

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?

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-15-9550-intel-i5-6300HQ-2-3GHz/dp/B01B5GQN5S/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_t

It appears to be the above laptop. One of the reviews says this about the SSD: "It's not user accessible though. It's auto managed and used for caching".

That tells me it's as I thought--one single "hybrid" drive, not an HDD and an SSD. They are one unit, NOT separate. I'd guess it fits into a standard laptop hard drive mount, but I've never seen one. Maybe someone else knows. I'd assume a standard 2.5 inch Samsung SSD will fit, but I'm not sure as I know little about laptops.



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.

"Putting it on a new laptop" won't do anything. HOWEVER, a clean Windows install will. You'd normally delete all partitions as part of a clean install,which effectively "wipes" it.


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?

They could formally wipe it, but they probably would not. A formal wiping is rarely needed. You DO need to delete partitions if you want to do a clean install.

You have to decide if you or the shop wants to do a clean Windows install to the Samsung SSD or instead transfer the existing installation on the hybrid drive to the Samsung SSD. Either is possible. I'd vote for a clean install, BUT you have to confirm you have a valid Product Key attached to the new Dell laptop. You need the Product Key to activate a new clean Windows install.

If you chose to do a transfer rather than a clean install, then you might want to do a formal wipe in advance.




And if they do, how long does it take?

Under an hour, maybe under a half hour; assuming there are no unforeseen snags.


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?

Deleting all partitions is effectively a wipe, which I assume is what you mean by "brand new".


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?

A clean install should be an every day of the week job for a shop. A transfer might be less common, but still not difficult---assuming they are halfway competent. Maybe they are terrible and thieves. That's for you to find out.

I don't use enclosures so I don't know how much of a pain they are.

I don't see why you'd need one UNLESS you did NOT own an external drive. And you would NOT need an external UNLESS you were doing the job yourself and did NOT want to do a clean install.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

see comments in bold

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.

Do you mean the sticker on the new laptop?

Does this sticker contain a 25 character code in this format:

xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

??

5 groups of 5 characters.

The sticker on the "old laptop" isn't likely to help. You need one on the "new laptop".


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?

If you are going to a shop:

1: Walk in with the new laptop in one hand and the Samsung SSD in the other.

2: Tell them to do either A or B:

A: "I want you to transfer the already activated Windows installation now on this laptop to this SSD I have in my hand." They would then either use cloning or imaging to do that.

or

B: "I want you to do a clean install of Windows to this SSD I have in my hand and activate it with the Product Key on this sticker on this laptop." This may pose a problem since you don't know what installation media they are using--OEM, System Builder, completely counterfeit, or whatever. It might appear to be activated and OK, but could later have licensing problems--depending on what installation media they use.

Repair shops can be totally legit and honest or they could be shady. I know nothing about your repair shop.

So--I'd probably tell them to use method A, UNLESS I was going to do it myself. If you do it yourself, you can easily download a legitimate copy of Windows 7 and burn in to a DVD or put it on a bootable USB flash drive. And then do a clean Windows installation with that.


Also another important thing...since i will have the ssd replaced, wouldn't this void the warranty immediately?

Talk to Dell about that.

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?

Are you saying the laptop will NOT have Windows on it when it arrives?

If you personally "install Windows" why would you need to take it to a shop? If you are going to personally install Windows, why wouldn't you do the drive switching yourself, BEFORE installing Windows?

If you are going to have the shop switch drives, why would you install anything onto the drive that you intend to replace?


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.

Talk to Dell.




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

"transfer files". What files? Windows files? Pictures of your cat?

If it's non-Windows files (pictures of your cat, mp3s, videos, etc), I'd copy them to an ordinary external drive and then copy them back to the new laptop after all the drive switching is done.

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.

How could you possibly lay down money for a new laptop and not already know if it will have Windows on it?

As far as I know, Dell does not sell laptops without an operating system.



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

That should mean you have no need for a separate enclosure, pending something you haven't yet mentioned.

 

[paulyjames]

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.

Hi there. Thanks for the response.

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


The laptop i purchased is on ebay from a very respected seller. The issue with this laptop was it didn't come with a 250gb ssd. I had thought no big deal, I can get a ssd and go to repair shop to install it for me. This laptop was not bought directly from dell, amazon etc. Thus this laptop is not customizeable... thus if it was, i would have customized it with the ssd, ram etc. I did this with my sager with xoticpc but this laptop is bought built already. Also im confused with this statement. Im sure tons of people buy laptops already built through amazon or newegg. Then they figure they get an ssd to make it faster and ram. So how does one not open the computer for 6 months then? I do have a warranty on this dell xps laptop when i get it. But unless you can customize the laptop, i mean aren't most ppl going to install more ram or an ssd if they have a hdd?


Well my 2 ssds... im not sure how they are. Repair shop looked at one of them and said it looks fine. He said he could tell by looking at it. The guy is very smart with computers. The issue with one of these samsung ssds which is a 840 pro thats 250gb is when i first got this laptop and it was installed in an asus, i defragged it a lot of times. I had no clue you wasn't suppose to do that. Thus i did it a lot of times. Thus im wondering could that already did damage to it so putting this on a new dell xps might be not good idea. The other samsung evo ssd, well im sure condition of it is much better as i not once defragged it.


For the RAM... same thing, i could not upgrade it because its built. Its 8gb ram so i will most likely not upgrade it. But the thing is dont most ppl just buy ram themselves and do it themselves since its much cheaper and easier for ppl? Usually when you upgrade ram or ssd, it cost more for them to do it then if you do it yourself if its easy for you.


I already went to 2 repair shops on both of my laptops. One of them the sager, it wouldn't turn on anymore. That was my main laptop. The other one is an asus where keyboard doesn't even work and screen issues. First repair shop told me they can't fix it and mentioned its a motherboard issue. The other repair shop which is a guy thats very smart, i told him this and he saw it and he said the same thing, its 100 percent a motherboard issue.


My sager laptop basically cannot even turn on. Thus thats the worst. The thing is if you want to replace the motherboard, it cost minimum $500 just for it. I believe if you send it to them and they repair and send it back to you, it cost $1000 almost probably. And my sager laptop cost a bit more than that. My sager had lot of issues already so I figure theres no point of repairing it since this requires buying a new motherboard and having them repair it and it will cost around $800 probably.


The asus laptop it can turn on but keyboard doesn't work. Guy tells me this is a motherboard issue. The motherboard replacement for this laptop they have online and its not that expensive. But its not really worth fixing it because i have to get a screen replacement as well. It has blurry lines. And this asus laptop probably is worth $200 at the most. Well it has the samsung ssd 250gb and 8gb ram and i3 processor which is already slow. But im sure the ssd on this one is worst than the ssd in the sager. Both SSDs are taken out of both laptops.


My situation is a lot complicated here because both laptops basically don't work anymore. Even the repair shop told me they would not suggest repairing it as its not even worth it. Thus getting new computer is better idea.

 

[paulyjames]

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.

yes same as i mentioned above. Computer was already configured... you cant customize it

My sager laptop motherboard cost minimum $500. It probably is between $500 and $700. The repair would cost probably another $200. Im sure most agree it isn't worth it... as imagine i fixed it that way, cost $800 only for the laptop to have more issue later on. Now if my sager laptop motherboard replacement wasnt super expensive, then yes i would try that. I mean, fixing the motherboard and repairing it cost as much or close to buying a new laptop.

 

[paulyjames]

See comments in bold

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?

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-15-9550-intel-i5-6300HQ-2-3GHz/dp/B01B5GQN5S/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_t

It appears to be the above laptop. One of the reviews says this about the SSD: "It's not user accessible though. It's auto managed and used for caching".

That tells me it's as I thought--one single "hybrid" drive, not an HDD and an SSD. They are one unit, NOT separate. I'd guess it fits into a standard laptop hard drive mount, but I've never seen one. Maybe someone else knows. I'd assume a standard 2.5 inch Samsung SSD will fit, but I'm not sure as I know little about laptops.



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.

"Putting it on a new laptop" won't do anything. HOWEVER, a clean Windows install will. You'd normally delete all partitions as part of a clean install,which effectively "wipes" it.


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?

They could formally wipe it, but they probably would not. A formal wiping is rarely needed. You DO need to delete partitions if you want to do a clean install.

You have to decide if you or the shop wants to do a clean Windows install to the Samsung SSD or instead transfer the existing installation on the hybrid drive to the Samsung SSD. Either is possible. I'd vote for a clean install, BUT you have to confirm you have a valid Product Key attached to the new Dell laptop. You need the Product Key to activate a new clean Windows install.

If you chose to do a transfer rather than a clean install, then you might want to do a formal wipe in advance.




And if they do, how long does it take?

Under an hour, maybe under a half hour; assuming there are no unforeseen snags.


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?

Deleting all partitions is effectively a wipe, which I assume is what you mean by "brand new".


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?

A clean install should be an every day of the week job for a shop. A transfer might be less common, but still not difficult---assuming they are halfway competent. Maybe they are terrible and thieves. That's for you to find out.

I don't use enclosures so I don't know how much of a pain they are.

I don't see why you'd need one UNLESS you did NOT own an external drive. And you would NOT need an external UNLESS you were doing the job yourself and did NOT want to do a clean install.

Im pretty positive i will have a windows key on the computer. It comes with windows 10.


If you chose to do a transfer rather than a clean install, then you might want to do a formal wipe in advance.


Sorry very confused here as i confused myself already. When you say do a transfer, you mean me using the new laptop with my old ssd with the documents inside it?


when you say deleting partitions, is this done when installing windows? I remembered back when i formatted my laptop, it ask if i want to delete partition. So you are asking if i put the samsung evo ssd in it, then i do it this way, then i click yes delete partitions then i effectively deleted everything on it? Thus you mean remove the original hard drive when i get computer, then put the samsung evo in? Or do you mean just start the computer as is. Once installation is done, then switch hard drive to ssd? Im getting a bit tired now so sorry if i sound confusing but i assume you mean the first part right?


I don't use enclosures so I don't know how much of a pain they are.

I don't see why you'd need one UNLESS you did NOT own an external drive. And you would NOT need an external UNLESS you were doing the job yourself and did NOT want to do a clean install


I have an external hard drive. The repair shop did copy my documents, pictures and few other things to my external hard drive. Its about 12gb worth. However with my laptop, i had 232gb total. I probably had around 90b free so around 142gb was used... and of course 20 or 25 gb was used for windows. So i still have lot of gb left. The reason i ask about enclosure is if i want to transfer the files from my ssd that has around 142 gb used of 232gb, then wouldn't i need the enclosure if i wanted to copy it to a computer?

 

[paulyjames]

see comments in bold

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.

Do you mean the sticker on the new laptop?

Does this sticker contain a 25 character code in this format:

xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

??

5 groups of 5 characters.

The sticker on the "old laptop" isn't likely to help. You need one on the "new laptop".


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?

If you are going to a shop:

1: Walk in with the new laptop in one hand and the Samsung SSD in the other.

2: Tell them to do either A or B:

A: "I want you to transfer the already activated Windows installation now on this laptop to this SSD I have in my hand." They would then either use cloning or imaging to do that.

or

B: "I want you to do a clean install of Windows to this SSD I have in my hand and activate it with the Product Key on this sticker on this laptop." This may pose a problem since you don't know what installation media they are using--OEM, System Builder, completely counterfeit, or whatever. It might appear to be activated and OK, but could later have licensing problems--depending on what installation media they use.

Repair shops can be totally legit and honest or they could be shady. I know nothing about your repair shop.

So--I'd probably tell them to use method A, UNLESS I was going to do it myself. If you do it yourself, you can easily download a legitimate copy of Windows 7 and burn in to a DVD or put it on a bootable USB flash drive. And then do a clean Windows installation with that.


Also another important thing...since i will have the ssd replaced, wouldn't this void the warranty immediately?

Talk to Dell about that.

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?

Are you saying the laptop will NOT have Windows on it when it arrives?

If you personally "install Windows" why would you need to take it to a shop? If you are going to personally install Windows, why wouldn't you do the drive switching yourself, BEFORE installing Windows?

If you are going to have the shop switch drives, why would you install anything onto the drive that you intend to replace?


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.

Talk to Dell.




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

"transfer files". What files? Windows files? Pictures of your cat?

If it's non-Windows files (pictures of your cat, mp3s, videos, etc), I'd copy them to an ordinary external drive and then copy them back to the new laptop after all the drive switching is done.

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.

How could you possibly lay down money for a new laptop and not already know if it will have Windows on it?

As far as I know, Dell does not sell laptops without an operating system.



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

That should mean you have no need for a separate enclosure, pending something you haven't yet mentioned.

Does this sticker contain a 25 character code in this format:

xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

??

5 groups of 5 characters.

The sticker on the "old laptop" isn't likely to help. You need one on the "new laptop".[/B]


I will know when i get the new laptop. I haven't received it yet. I have the code for both of my other laptops.


The laptop will have windows 10 in it.

Im confused on previous statement.

So--I'd probably tell them to use method A, UNLESS I was going to do it myself. If you do it yourself, you can easily download a legitimate copy of Windows 7 and burn in to a DVD or put it on a bootable USB flash drive. And then do a clean Windows installation with that.[/B]


Im going to be using windows 10 on the new laptop no matter what right? Im confused why you mention copy of windows 7 here.



If you personally "install Windows" why would you need to take it to a shop? If you are going to personally install Windows, why wouldn't you do the drive switching yourself, BEFORE installing Windows?

If you are going to have the shop switch drives, why would you install anything onto the drive that you intend to replace?


For the first part, I don't know if I would be able to take the hard drive out of the new laptop and put in my ssd. I have never opened up a laptop and took out the ssd and put in a new one. The only time that i even opened the ssd part of a laptop was when recently when i went to a repair shop and they unscrewed my other asus laptop and took a quick look at the ssd before screwing it back in. My other laptop... the sager one that wouldn't turn on... there are like 20 screws to unscrew to even open it up which is not possible for someone like.


So does this part make sense? I know how to set up windows as there are easy instructions when first time you turn on a brand new laptop. And the thing is i should be replacing the hard drive with the SSD the first thing i do with this dell xps right? I just want to make sure of this as i have no plans to use that 1tb 5400 rpm hard drive as thats way too slow. I intended to buy this laptop so i could put a ssd in it.


For the 2nd part of your question... I had thought doing so might be a good idea just to see if the laptop functions. Does that make sense? Because say i do this and then setup is good and computer is nice, then i know the computer is good. And if there is an issue, i can contact dell about it. Such that, hey there is already something defective. Does that make sense or not or is my logic here completely wrong? Then once its good, then i shut it down and have the hard drive replaced with the ssd. But with the SSD, do i still need to setup windows again? That is what im confused with. Because if i do, obviously then what i mentioned earlier is not necessary though I don't believe i have to do this with the ssd? Is my logic here completely wrong?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

see comments

Im pretty positive i will have a windows key on the computer. It comes with windows 10.


I don't think Windows 10 machines have a 25 character Product Key sticker, but you can still download Windows 10 and do a clean install if that's what you want to do.





Sorry very confused here as i confused myself already. When you say do a transfer, you mean me using the new laptop with my old ssd with the documents inside it?

You say the new laptop will have Windows 10.

A "transfer" would mean effectively "copying" EVERYTHING that is on the hard drive of the new laptop as of the moment the transfer is made, onto your old SSD. This could be done by "cloning" or by "imaging". I recommend imaging. This is NOT a clean install. It's a simple replica of whatever is on the original hard drive.

Each and every thing on it---which would mean Windows 10 plus whatever programs or doodads that Dell included. Including the licensing information. Including the configuration of Windows as Dell delivered it. Including stuff you don't want. Including stuff you do want.

An exact replica, but it would be sitting on your old SSD rather than on whatever drive the new Dell comes with. You'd end up with the new laptop, the new Windows 10, the new Dell doodads and programs, but it would all be on the old SSD, NOT the drive that comes with the new Dell. You then do what you want with the new Dell drive---sell it, beat it with a hammer, or put it in the closet.

Any "documents" on the old SSD would be lost and gone forever UNLESS you first copied them to your external drive BEFORE the transfer and later copied them back to the old SSD AFTER it had received the transfer.

That's assuming your old Samsung SSD will in fact fit into the new laptop. I don't know if it will because I know little about laptops.




when you say deleting partitions, is this done when installing windows?

DURING the Windows installation. You could do it BEFORE installing Windows, but there's normally no reason to do that.

I remembered back when i formatted my laptop, it ask if i want to delete partition. So you are asking if i put the samsung evo ssd in it, then i do it this way, then i click yes delete partitions then i effectively deleted everything on it?

Yes. If you do a clean install of Windows onto a drive that already has Windows on it, you must delete all existing partitions. Windows will make the necessary partitions and format them.


Thus you mean remove the original hard drive when i get computer, then put the samsung evo in? Or do you mean just start the computer as is. Once installation is done, then switch hard drive to ssd? Im getting a bit tired now so sorry if i sound confusing but i assume you mean the first part right?

The new laptop will already have Windows 10 on it. For all you know it will arrive broken. So of course you should start it to confirm it isn't broken. Use it for a few days.

To again repeat myself:

You have to decide if you want to transfer Win 10 from old drive to new drive OR do a clean install.

Until you decide that, there's not much point in further questions.





I have an external hard drive. The repair shop did copy my documents, pictures and few other things to my external hard drive. Its about 12gb worth..............The reason i ask about enclosure is if i want to transfer the files from my ssd that has around 142 gb used of 232gb, then wouldn't i need the enclosure if i wanted to copy it to a computer?

You are confusing me. What's included in the 142? If it's personal documents, pictures, etc, why did the shop only copy 12 GB? You should have external drive copies of ALL, I say ALL personal files that are not part of Windows. You should always have that---whether you are getting a new laptop or not. It's called "backing up personal files". That's your responsibility. Not the shops.

Only you know the size of your personal files and whether that totals 12 GB, 142 GB, or some other number. Windows alone takes up less than 30 GB. It's up to you to figure out what that 142 includes. Obviously, it's more that Windows alone.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

see comments.

I will know when i get the new laptop. I haven't received it yet. I have the code for both of my other laptops.


The laptop will have windows 10 in it.

Because its Windows 10, I don't think it will have a sticker containing a code. Your other codes are useless for Windows 10 on a new laptop.


Im going to be using windows 10 on the new laptop no matter what right?

You tell me. You can put Linux on it if you want. You can put Windows 7 on it if you want to buy a Windows 7 license. Your old Windows 7 licenses aren't likely to help you.

I only mentioned Windows 7 because you decided not to mention Window 10 on the new laptop early in this thread and my crystal ball is clouded.



I don't know if I would be able to take the hard drive out of the new laptop and put in my ssd.

Then don't. Throw yourself on the mercy of the shop. If you aren't comfortable doing something, don't do it.


I know how to set up windows as there are easy instructions when first time you turn on a brand new laptop.

New laptops already have Windows, so I'm not clear what you mean by "set up".

Have you ever done a clean install of any version of Windows?

If you are unwilling to swap drives yourself, you may as well pay the shop to transfer Windows 10 to the new drive or pay them to do a clean install of Win 10. I suppose you could have them just swap drives and nothing more, but then you'd be faced with doing the Windows 10 transfer from the old drive to the new drive or doing the clean install and maybe that's over your head.

And the thing is i should be replacing the hard drive with the SSD the first thing i do with this dell xps right?


No. The first thing I'd do is find out if the new laptop works OK for a few days and come to terms with Dell's warranty issues and decide on transfer versus clean install.

To repeat again: you have to decide if you want to transfer 10 to the new drive or do a clean Windows 10 install.

But with the SSD, do i still need to setup windows again?

No, if you do a "transfer" from old drive to SSD by cloning or imaging. Windows is already installed on the old drive. ALL of that installation, I say ALL OF THAT, will be transferred to the SSD. I say ALL OF THAT.

Yes, if you do a clean install.

If you were going to do this yourself, the least complicated thing is probably a clean install, BUT BUT BUT that may cause Dell warranty issues and you would end up with ONLY a Windows 10 installation, not whatever applications and extra doo-dads Dell may have included. Maybe you need or want that extra stuff, maybe not.

 

[CaptainWD]

~snip~

As @AddRAM pointed out you can simply place any of the old SSDs in your new laptop and once you put a bootable CD or a Flash Drive with the installation of the OS it will give you the opportunity to delete all the data from the old SSD and simply make a fresh install on it.

Another way would be to simply plug the drive in your regular Desktop computer, make sure the SSD isn't the first priority in the boot order in the BIOS, go to Disk Management and delete all partitions from the SSD or perform a secure erase.

Captain_WD.

 

[paulyjames]

Thanks for all this information. I bought one of those enclosures that cost $10 on amazon and should get it soon.


So how about this. I get that enclosure. I put my sager ssd in it. Then plug into my desktop. At the moment, i only have desktop computer that works. I do not use this computer anymore. Then when i connect it to my desktop, will it open everything like it was on my old sager when starting up? Or will the files open up as if i connected an external hard drive to it? I assume its like an external hard drive right?


And why didnt i back up my 140gb of data? Well i always wanted to but i never did. I did backup files into my usb and my external hard drive though but not that many. When i was at the repair shop and they said the sager couldnt turn on, i asked if my hard drive was fine and they said yes. Then i asked them could they transfer files to my external. Here is the thing. I had asked this question on another forum before and said hey if they tell me my hard drive is okay, can i tell them to transfer files to my external? I was told yes by people on the forum and then i asked okay but if i do this, are they going to copy all my files or just the ones i ask such as my download folder, documents, music etc. The people in the forum told me they typically do everything UNLESS you specifically ask them just documents folders and pictures and music etc. So when i asked them can they copy to external, they asked me which files. So that to meant they normally dont copy everything so i said download, document and music folder etc. Then they did it and i saw about 12gb on my external. What is the proper method when you ask a repair shop hey can you transfer files to my external. Do they ask which file folders etc? The thing was at the time i knew i had around 140gb space used up so wouldn't that feel strange, can you copy everything to my external? I also wondered if they could take a very long time and not something they want to do so I didn't want to ask. Is that bad on my part? I didnt mind coming back to the repair shop anytime after that but it felt strange okay, can you do everything.


How long do you think 12gb transfer takes? What about 140gb?


Yes i will pretty much 100 percent take new laptop to repair shop and have them put ssd in etc.