**Guide to upgrading the MSI GX660 Hard drives to SSD **

JennyXT

JennyXT

JennyXT

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28 Nov 2009
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Wish I could offer a guide but I've been researching but can't find a solid solution for this.

This is what I want to achieve -

1) Upgrade 1 of the 500GB hard drives to a SSD
2) SELL the 500GB HD as New
3) Keep factory OS install on the SSD

I know how to physically swap the HD's and know enough about SSD's from research.
But my main hurdle is getting the factory install on to the SSD
Is this possible as the HD's are different size.
Since 2x500GB HD's are currently in RAID 0, does it mean the OS is installed on both HD's?

Someone please provide a basic tutorial please.

Many many thanks!!
 
But my main hurdle is getting the factory install on to the SSD
Click to expand...

I don't think it can be done as i ran into the same problem when i upgraded my asus G73 with a ssd drive. I could not get the factory install on my ssd because the drive were different sizes, i tried Acronis*True*Image*Home and many more partition softwares without any luck. I ended up saving my 500gb default drive uncase i wanted to sell the laptop and restore it to factory spec. I brought windows 7 home pre and did a fresh install without any bloatware as i was told that would be the better course of action. I have been told since i did mine that if you google LEGAL Windows 7 Download Links you can get a legal windows 7 download and use your key to activate the installation. Its worth a look i'm sure.
 
no, not recovery disc

i mean acutal windows 7 disc (like you get when you buy windows 7)

1) you put in the new HD (ssd)

2) switch on pc with windows disc in the CD drive

3) it will then install windows 7 and ask you for your windows key

4) enter the key that is on the sticker on the bottom of your lattop

size of the HD is irrelavant when you install windows from fresh
 
Paul11 said:
no, not recovery disc

i mean acutal windows 7 disc (like you get when you buy windows 7)

1) you put in the new HD (ssd)

2) switch on pc with windows disc in the CD drive

3) it will then install windows 7 and ask you for your windows key

4) enter the key that is on the sticker on the bottom of your lattop

size of the HD is irrelavant when you install windows from fresh
Click to expand...


OIC but I would rather not do this

1) I want to keep the factory install
2) I want to copy the factory install so I can have the option of restoring it and selling the whole thing a few months down the line.


Would the following work?

1) Switch on Laptop, enter details etc
2) Make Recovery Disks
3) Switch off
4) Take out 1 x 500GBHD
5) Install 40GB SSD
6) Recover OS on to 40GB SSD
7) Switch on (laptop is like how I switched on in the first place)
8) Sell 500GB HD as new.

Thanks ;)
 
JennyXT said:
OIC but I would rather not do this

1) I want to keep the factory install
2) I want to copy the factory install so I can have the option of restoring it and selling the whole thing a few months down the line.


Would the following work?

1) Switch on Laptop, enter details etc
2) Make Recovery Disks
3) Switch off
4) Take out 1 x 500GBHD
5) Install 40GB SSD
6) Recover OS on to 40GB SSD
7) Switch on (laptop is like how I switched on in the first place)
8) Sell 500GB HD as new.

Thanks ;)
Click to expand...


NO it wont work.

If you try using the recovery disc you make with the new smaller drive the install wont work. Its a bit crap how theyve made it.

If you actually read all the thread this has already been mentioned! That is why everyone is telling you to use a windows7 disc!!
 
As davey says

But. Why would you want to install a factory restore
that comes with loads of bloatware when you can have a nice clean install ??
 
Last edited:
Davey D said:
NO it wont work.

If you try using the recovery disc you make with the new smaller drive the install wont work. Its a bit crap how theyve made it.

If you actually read all the thread this has already been mentioned! That is why everyone is telling you to use a windows7 disc!!
Click to expand...

I've read through that thread and understand that people are generally recommending installing a fresh copy of Win7 but tbh the last time I bought a laptop was a few years ago and I like having the factory OS then tweaking it afterwards.

Plus, I believe that restoring to factory OS gives the laptop a better resale value.

What if I did the following first -

1) Boot in to Acronis Disk Director using Acronis boot cd
2) Change primary partition to 40GB
3) Back up using Acronis. Shut Down
4) Remove both HD's
5) Install 40GB SSD
6) Boot into Acronis True Image
7) Restore factory OS on to SSD
8) Switch on it boots into factory OS like new

What do you guys think?
 
Paul11 said:
just install a nice clean win 7 install instead of a restore that comes with loads of carp in it..

not sure why you dont want to do this ?
Click to expand...


Also, if I do a fresh install of Windows 7 would I lose the functionality of the buttons like Turbo mode etc?

Also can I get some advice on the SSD? Do you think 40Gb for the OS and programs is enough? Thanks
 
Last edited:
JennyXT said:
Also, if I do a fresh install of Windows 7 would I lose the functionality of the buttons like Turbo mode etc?

Also can I get some advice on the SSD? Do you think 40Gb for the OS and programs is enough? Thanks
Click to expand...

if you lose any functions you can always download the driver/application from msi website

here
http://eu.msi.com/index.php?func=nbdriver&maincat_no=135&prod_no=2127

personally, i dont think 40gb is enough, i would go for bigger, but other people but have other opinions on this ?
 
I'll probably go for a 64GB SSD now. Thanks for the advice.

But another thing - I received the laptop today but the screws to take out the HD is covered with a warranty void sticker.

Do you guys just give up the warranty?
 
When I change the HD to SSD what do I need to change in the bios?

Do I install SSD, then modify bios, then insert windows 7 disk to install OS?

Thanks
 
Hi Jenny

yes , install the drive

im not sure if these laptops have the option, but go in the bios and if you have ahci, set it to that

boot up and install windows
 
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