Needs to Install Vista on a new SSD drive - But no Vista CD

[ComputerMinder]

Hey guys, I just bought an X200s with normal drive and I am going to buy an SSD HD very soon to replace the factory 320gb drive with the SSD 120GB drive.

Problem is the computer comes with Vista pre-installed but comes with no CD. I have heard that there are some steps require in order to install Vista on an SSD drive for maximal performance (I think something about cluster size or something else i didn't read the steps yet).

So that being said, I assume that just trying to ghost the internal HD to the SSD drive would provide sub optimal performance at best. Which is certainly not what I am looking for.

I also wouldn't want to buy a new Vista License since I already got the Vista Business license with the factory HD.

The first question is how can I reinstalled it with the recommended settings for maximum SSD performance without purchasing an additional license ?

The second question would be how to I get rid of the Recovery partition ? I certainly wouldn't want a recovery partition on my new SSD drive since SSD drives are quite small in capacity, I don't want to waste it on a recovery partition.

Thanks for any help.

[Marin85]

Unlike with XP, there is no need to "prepare" the SSD for installing Vista on it (and even with XP, those tweaks don´t apply to all SSD brands/models). If you still have concerns about installing Vista on a SSD, let us know, which SSD you want to pick for your ThinkPad My understanding is that you would like to perform a clean install of Vista, i.e. using a clean Vista installation media. For this purpose you will need an external USB CD/DVD drive, this would be the easiest way. One could also install Visa from a USB 2.0 flash, but this involves some "hacking". Regarding using your Vista license from Lenovo, I would recommend you reading this whole thread.

Cheers,

Marin

[ComputerMinder]

Unlike with XP, there is no need to "prepare" the SSD for installing Vista on it (and even with XP, those tweaks don´t apply to all SSD brands/models). If you still have concerns about installing Vista on a SSD, let us know, which SSD you want to pick for your ThinkPad My understanding is that you would like to perform a clean install of Vista, i.e. using a clean Vista installation media. For this purpose you will need an external USB CD/DVD drive, this would be the easiest way. One could also install Visa from a USB 2.0 flash, but this involves some "hacking". Regarding using your Vista license from Lenovo, I would recommend you reading this whole thread.

Cheers,

Marin

Many Thanks Marin I appreciate the help, I think you misunderstood my question about the Vista.

First, I am going to get the OCZ Vertex 120GB SSD which got great raves. Since I am investing almost $500 here. I surely wouldn't want to take any chances on getting anything less than the best performance out of the drive. That's why I thought would be better off to install a fresh copy of Vista on the SSD rather than try to make a ghost from the 320gb HDD to the 120gb SSD.

Second, I think you didn't understand that, but I have an ultrabay and DVD that's not the problem. The problem is that the X201s comes pre-installed with Vista Business but doesn't come with a DVD media with Vista on it. So I don't know how can I install on my new SSD ??



1. If I am about to replace my 320gb Hard Disk Drive to a 120gb SSD how would I reinstall Vista on the 120gb SSD without the CD? What can I do ? I already got a license with the X200s, I certainly wouldn't want to spend a few hundred bucks on buying a new license just for the same or replacing my HD to SSD.

Thanks

[Greg Gebhardt]

MS does not really want you doing this with their OEM copy of Vista on your laptop. You will never see a copy of vista on a CD in your box. What you can make is restore disks that have the whole contents of your laptop as it came out of the box.

What you want will require you go and buy a copy of Vista

[Marin85]

@ComputerMinder:

Ah, ok, I think I got your point now

1. I don´t think you will have to purchase a new Vista license either. You could purchase only an installation media of Vista at the costs of the media (something like 5$). I also sent you a PM regarding obtaining Vista installation media. Then you can use your Vista license. If you are referring to the Vista license that came with your laptop from Lenovo, I would again highly recommend you reading the second thread I linked above (the reason for this is that many folks think that they can use the key from the COA sticker from the bottom of the laptop to perform a clean install, but this simply doesn´t work with a "standard" installation media...)

2. Of course, doing a fresh OS install is IMO always better if one has the time and resources to do so. Since you mention you are going to use an OCZ SSDs, there is a bunch of Vista tweaks that apply to OCZ SSDs. AFAIK these tweaks refer to a completed Vista installation, but you probably are already aware of the good blogs in the OCZ forum on this topic.

[archer6]

<snip>I am about to replace my 320gb Hard Disk Drive to a 120gb SSD how would I reinstall Vista on the 120gb SSD without the CD? What can I do ? I already got a license with the X200s <snip>

From the start menu go to ThinkVantage, there you will see an icon to "create recovery media". Have some blank CD's ready and this utility will burn the Vista OS pre-load to disks. Now you will have the full set required to reinstall Vista on your SSD. You will find the product key listed on the label on the bottom of the machine. In the event you have a problem or they do not burn properly, another option is to call Lenovo Tech Support @ 800.426.7378, and order a set of disks from them. They charge $45.00 and ship out in just a few days. I just purchased Vista Business and they arrived in only four days.

Cheers...