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August 1st, 2014 09:00

XPS 8300 with SSD

Hi guys,

I have question regarding installation of new SSD in my Dell XPS 8300. After 3 years of using this system I would like to replace regular HDD with SSD for C:.

Now my question: is it possible to install fresh Windows 7 from recovery partition i got from Dell ( factory data safe).... Means to format the C(old drive) and to install whole system BUT on new drive which is SSD. Old HD will stay in the system for storage but In the same time i wouldn't like to lose recovery partition.

If anyone has any suggestion on this please let me know.

Many thanks guys for all your answers

Cheers

7 Technologist

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16K Posts

August 1st, 2014 16:00

Now my question: is it possible to install fresh Windows 7 from recovery partition i got from Dell ( factory data safe).... Means to format the C(old drive) and to install whole system BUT on new drive which is SSD. Old HD will stay in the system for storage but In the same time i wouldn't like to lose recovery partition.

No, the chances are your XPS 8300 would have came with a 1 TB or 2 TB conventional HDD. Dell DataSafe does not allow installation of Windows on a smaller hard drive.

1 TB SSDs are very expensive. Likely you will get a 256-512 GB SSD. Note the system can support up to 3 Drives see the notes here:

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/w/desktop/3329.aspx

For installation of the SSD ensure that the SSD is plugged in SATA 0 or 1 as these are faster SATA III, SATA 2 and SATA 3 are SATA II.

You will have to manually clean install Windows on the SSD. I would advise installing Windows 7 on the new SSD without your previous hard drive plugged in. Follow my guides here:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows/

Once you have performed the clean install with drivers and Windows Updates, install Dell Backup and Recovery and it will recreate a new recovery partition:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/dell-backup-and-recovery/

Once you are satisfied with this you may remove the SSD and insert in your old drive. You may then securely wipe it with DBAN:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/securely-wipe-your-hard-drive-with-dariks-boot-and-nuke-dban/

This will allow you to wipe the drive. When done you may reinsert your SSD and set your old drive as a data drive.

 

 

7 Technologist

 • 

16K Posts

August 1st, 2014 16:00

Note you may also  use Acronis but the clean installation is recommended and you should be prepared to do one just in case:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/backing-up-your-windows-installation-using-acronis/

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