Getting ready to install new SSD drive in my Dell laptop.

[compuwiz1]

So I just ordered a Crucial 256GB SSD for my Dell Studio 1737. I plan to install my original drive in the second drive bay in the laptop. I'm looking for a simple way that I can install the drives and migrate everything over to the SSD, as my original drive is free of clutter, from a recent clean install. Should I just run some kind of a ghost app and store it on my removable USB HD? Ideas appreciated.

 

[compuwiz1]

Not one answer?

 

[ArisVer]

Remove HDD from laptop. Install both SSD and HDD in a desktop computer. Clone HDD to SSD. Install SSD to laptop. If is all well and starts, install HDD in spare bay.

 

[compuwiz1]

Great idea, but there is not one desktop in my house. We run on laps and tablets here.
Any other ideas?

 

[corkyg]

In that case, you only need an external drive case. If your Dell lappie has a drive bay that can replace the optical drive, that would also do it. Here's a related thread:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2412390

 

[xgsound]

Permanent answer:
Here is a video for the 2nd hhd slot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cwg7WUWrVB8 They also sell what you will need for ~$25 or find it elsewhere

Or CD to HHD/SSD caddy:
Remove CD/DVD and replace with slide-in caddy $8.90 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Leave the screw out and replace the HHD/ SSD in the caddy for infinite backups.

Install the SSD as 2nd drive, clone drive, switch drives, leave HHD out and reboot. Reinstall 2nd drive as desired for data.


Your Dell 1737 can accept a T9300 or T9500 CPU if needed. They go for $20 to 50 on ebay.

Jim

 

[compuwiz1]

Permanent answer:
Here is a video for the 2nd hhd slot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cwg7WUWrVB8 They also sell what you will need for ~$25 or find it elsewhere

Or CD to HHD/SSD caddy:
Remove CD/DVD and replace with slide-in caddy $8.90 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Leave the screw out and replace the HHD/ SSD in the caddy for infinite backups.

Install the SSD as 2nd drive, clone drive, switch drives, leave HHD out and reboot. Reinstall 2nd drive as desired for data.


Your Dell 1737 can accept a T9300 or T9500 CPU if needed. They go for $20 to 50 on ebay.

Jim

You have provided an excellent answer. It looks like I need a drive caddy or installation kit for the second bay. I found one on Amazon, but it won't ship soon enough. Thanks!