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    Buying mSATA how to install?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by progressppls, Jun 21, 2012.

  1. progressppls

    progressppls Notebook Enthusiast

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    I ordered a 120GB mSATA SSD for my R2, but how do I install it? Im looking for some info before delivery to smoothen the process.

    Can anyone give me a step by step walkthrough how to install the OS onto the mSATA and delete it from the default HDD?
     
    progressppls, Jun 21, 2012
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  2. struselix

    struselix Notebook Consultant

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    This is a basic feature when you start the OS from DVD/USB. You`ll see a screen with your drives and you`ll be asked where to install the OS. Just as simple as that. Just format the other drive in the same screen.
     
    struselix, Jun 22, 2012
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  3. Tapakidney

    Tapakidney Notebook Evangelist

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    If you need help physically installing:

    Unscrew 2 bottom panel screws, slide panel off.
    Unscrew 4 battery screws, pull battery and cable out.
    You'll see the mSATA slot right there. Pop it in, screw it down.

    Getting your hands on a proper screw...you're on your own. Usually, the drives don't come with one. I took one from an old, unused laptop.

    To install OS, hit F2 when booting up.
    Make sure drive type is set to AHCI.
    Set boot order to boot from CDROM first. Pop Windows DVD in.
    Restart computer, enter Windows setup.
    Delete all partitions on initial drive (assuming you don't want the annoying recovery partition)
    Create new partitions as you want them on both drives.
    Install Windows on new mSATA SSD (Make sure you double check your install location!)

    I then go to BIOS and set mSATA as first boot device, not CDROM.
     
    Tapakidney, Jun 22, 2012
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