IraHayes wrote: ↑Sun Aug 06, 2023 2:43 pm If you are not able to install the new SSD alongside your original SSD and need to transfer the Windows OS while the new SSD is not connected, you can follow these steps:

1. Create a system image:
Create a system image: Use the built-in Windows feature called "Create a system image" to create a backup of your current Windows installation. This will create a compressed copy of your entire system, including the operating system, installed programs, and files. Save the system image on an external storage device (such as an external hard drive or USB drive). Accessing/finding this utility is shown below


2. Prepare a bootable USB drive:
Create a bootable USB drive with Windows installation media. You can use the Windows Media Creation Tool to create the bootable USB drive.

3. Disconnect the original SSD:
Shut down your laptop and disconnect the original SSD from your laptop. This step is crucial to ensure that the Windows OS is not accessible during the transfer process.

4. Connect the new SSD:
Connect the new SSD to your laptop. Make sure it is properly connected and recognized by your system.

5. Boot from the USB drive:
Start your laptop and enter the boot menu by pressing the designated key (usually F12 or Esc) during startup. Select the USB drive as the boot device to boot from the Windows installation media.

6. Install Windows on the new SSD:
Restore from the system image: After the Windows installation is complete, boot up your laptop using the newly installed Windows on the new SSD. Connect the external storage device containing the system image you created earlier. Use the Windows "System Image Recovery" feature to restore the system image onto the new SSD. This will transfer your Windows OS, installed programs, and files from the system image to the new SSD.

7. Configure BIOS settings:
Once the system image is restored, restart your laptop and enter the BIOS settings. Make sure the new SSD is set as the primary boot device to ensure that your laptop boots from the new SSD.

9. Verify Windows installation:
Finally, boot up your laptop and verify that Windows is successfully installed on the new SSD. You can check the system properties or explore the new SSD to ensure that all your files and programs are intact.

Start this in the morning after about 2 cups of coffee have cleared any cobwebs. Creating the recovery disk will take time, Installing the the system image onto the new SSD will take time. If it all goes south reinstall the old SSD

The thumb drive will need to be at least 16Gb and if you are transferring a lot of files you may need to go to 32 or 64Gb.
PS. Its way easier if you can connect the new SSD alongside the old SSD but that isn't an option for you as your laptop will only have the ability to connect 1 drive.

IraHayes wrote: ↑Sun Aug 06, 2023 6:01 pm

daeum_tnaot wrote: ↑Sun Aug 06, 2023 5:42 pm Great, thanks a lot. I did a similar process to recover my wife's laptop. I created a Windows installation disk and then made a copy of her drive with Macrium reflect. Do you think the Windows feature called "Create a system image" is better than Macrium Reflect?

Also, for step 6, how will Windows know that you have a legit windows for your computer? Is there some kind of record on the computer that shows the Windows installation media that it should install Windows? (I think the device connects to the internet so it may be checking by the internet).

When windows was originally installed on your laptop there would have been a digital product key (DPK). This is then saved by Microsoft and is used for activation purposes and also there are checks everytime you update your OS to ensure that your copy is genuine. This is the Genuine Advantage Program.
Since you are creating an identical main drive and you will not be installing the old drive into another PC then MS will not even flinch, so to speak. Simply put, MS won't even know you have moved your OS onto a newer drive... unless, of course, you try to use the old drive in another machine. Then the GAP will kick in during updates and you will have problems on both machines as MS will know that the DPK exists on 2 machines and you will only have a license to install the OS on 1 machine.

IraHayes wrote: ↑Mon Aug 07, 2023 12:16 am

daeum_tnaot wrote: ↑Sun Aug 06, 2023 11:17 pm All right, sounds doable. Now I'm really going to go out on a limb. Do you think I can replace the 18650 cells in my laptop battery?

In most laptops the 18650 cells are contained in a sealed battery pack which is designed to be replaced as a whole unit. This unit comes pre-assembled with the necessary 18650 cells, electronics, and protective casing. This makes the replacement process simpler and reduces the risk of damaging the cells or compromising the safety of the laptop.
Also, matching the specifications of your 18650 cells might prove tricky and any deviation from OEM might not bode well for the laptop.