New E530, want to install new OCZ Vertex 3 SSD as main drive

[aptech]

Hello, world. Thanks to the folks here for a great forum.
Pardon me, as this is my first post here. I've searched the board but haven't found a similar topic.

I've just received a brand-new ThinkPad E530 (3259CTO) straight from Lenovo customization.
Essential hardware specs:
Intel i5-3210M CPU @ 2.50GHz
North Bridge Intel ID0154 Revision 09
South Bridge Intel ID1E57 Revision 04
500GB HDD
16GB mSATA boot boost cache SSD (SanDisk SSD U100)
BIOS H0ET32WW (1.14 ), Date 06/15/2012
4GB DDR3 RAM.

I want to replace the factory 500GB HDD (WDC WD5000BPVT-08HXZT3) with a separately-purchased OCZ Vertex 3 SATA III SSD, 240GB capacity. (I'm aware of ODD caddies but would like to preserve the availability of that bay for DVD/CDs.)

Can this be accomplished? What is the best way?

I used Acronis TI 2011 to image the factory OS (Windows 7 Home Premium, 64 bit) to an external HDD, from within the E530 with the factory HDD in place. Not sector-by-sector. Not imaging the MBR or 'disk signature'. I also image the Lenovo recovery partition.

I then recover/transfer the image onto the Vertex SSD as another external drive. Then I remove the HDD from the E530, and replace it with the SSD.

At first it boots up very fast and normally into Windows. A dialog appears indicating drivers for the Vertex SSD are being installed. Things seem fine. The OS recognizes the Vertex SSD as such. No device-manager errors.

Then upon reboot, the "Error 2100: disk not recognized" notice appears. I hit ESC and power off the unit, reseating the SSD.

Then the E530 either: goes into a very slow boot process (Windows 7 flying logo stays quite awhile) and then into Windows, but the system is very slow to the point of nonfeasible use; or gives the 2100 error again.

I would greatly appreciate any and all input you may have. And from what I've read on this forum, I'm sure it will be top-quality.

Thank you all in advance!

[emtee3511]

Just a guess -- did you try changing the Bios /Config /Serial ATA (SATA) setting from Compatability to ACHI?

[aptech]

Just a guess -- did you try changing the Bios /Config /Serial ATA (SATA) setting from Compatability to ACHI?

Yes and no, in the sense I set it to AHCI from the beginning.

Thank you for the reply.