Replacing HHD with SSD in new laptop

£15 · 2 Dec 2014 at 15:17

I've just got my hands on a Dell XPS 15 and want to replace the HDD with an SSD. I have retrieved the Windows Product Key and understand I now need to get my hands on a copy of Windows 8.1 'Core'. Is there a legitimate source for this, or do I need to take my chances with a torrent?

postmanfw · 2 Dec 2014 at 15:52

Some dells dont give the code via rweverything...i had to create install media for it from recovery partition...check that rweverthing has the relevant bit .

Theres a few links around on here for legit 8.1 isos

Warp279 · 2 Dec 2014 at 16:15

You can use this tool to get the version you need.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

postmanfw · 2 Dec 2014 at 18:16

What program did you use to get the key?

Bane · 2 Dec 2014 at 20:03

Do you also need to get a XrML certificate file in addition to the product key?

£15 · 2 Dec 2014 at 20:54

postmanfw said:
What program did you use to get the key?

I found another thread on here that mentioned 'rweverything' - I used that.

I also used magicaljellybean and got the same string. (I uninstalled it and ran MWB afterwards.)

tom_e · 2 Dec 2014 at 20:57

I'd just create the restore media and use that unless Dell still pack their installs full of bloat.

£15 · 4 Dec 2014 at 12:07

It's not actually that bad. I can't think of anything I've had to remove, so it is definitely an easy option. I would prefer a clean install though.

EDIT: I've been doing some research and it would appear I would not be able to use the factory restore discs I created using the Dell backup software, as my SSD is 512GB and the HDD is 1TB.

I've tried to use the factory reinstallation disks I made to reinstall on my SSD, but they won't let me reinstall to a smaller drive.

kitfit1 · 5 Dec 2014 at 22:12

Leave the HDD in for the moment, use the restore discs to give yourself a clean install. Then use the built in Win8 backup and restore facility to create a bootable image disc. Remove the HDD, fit the SSD, boot from the disc image and let it install onto the SSD.
The image disc will install onto any size of drive as long as it will actually fit onto that drive.

£15 · 7 Dec 2014 at 16:14

I've just completed the move to an SSD.

I created a USB as per post #3.

I disabled the Intel Rapid Start stuff and configured the BIOS to AHCI.

Replaced drives.

F12 to boot from USB and etc...etc...

It didn't ask for a product key and appears to have retrieved it from the BIOS.

I'm now trying to install Windows Updates, but the first attempt has failed. Apart from that, all quite painless.