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    Can I swap th hard drives between 2 Alienware 13 computers?

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by MJBarnes, Dec 16, 2014.

  1. MJBarnes

    MJBarnes Notebook Geek

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    Last week I purchased an Alienware 13 computer. I proceeded to install all my games through Blizzard, Origin, uPlay, Steam, etc... Almost 850GB worth.

    Today I had buyers remorse since the one I purchased was the 1080P screen and talked to a rep. She said I could return this one and she would send overnight the model with the 1440P screen. Everything else between these 2 computers is exactly the same.

    Once I receive the new 1440P screen Alienware 13, can I simply take the hard drive out of my existing laptop (the one with 850GB of games), and throw it in the new laptop?

    Will this work since both computers are identical minus the screen? Or should I re-install everything on to the new unit once I receive it?

    It would be SOOOOO much easier and quicker to simply swap the hard drives.

    Thanks!
     
    MJBarnes, Dec 16, 2014
    #1
  2. TBoneSan

    TBoneSan Laptop Fiend

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    I think it could be OK but safer not to. If something goes wrong you would be liable. Plus, if they catalogue the HDD serial numbers (not sure if they do) and something doesn't marry up you might be in strife. I'd do an image to an external HDD and back on to your new machine.
    Also I wouldn't want to be the buyer of a machine that has been previously opened up - that's kind of crappy.
     
    TBoneSan, Dec 17, 2014
    #2
  3. J.Dre

    J.Dre Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    If the HDD's are 100% identical then it shouldn't be a problem. However, you are required to return the laptop as it was with all original hardware.

    If the new one arrives first, check the HDD's.
     
    J.Dre, Dec 17, 2014
    #3
  4. Flaick

    Flaick Notebook Evangelist

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    Keep both the computers!
     
    Flaick, Dec 17, 2014
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  5. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    It's better to return the 1st one as it was and re-download to avoid any issues.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Dec 19, 2014
    #5
  6. XONi49

    XONi49 Newbie

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    Run Sysprep(if you dont know what it is google its part of your OS) on the old system
    clone the old drive (active@boot is nice but there are lots of others) to the new drive
    reboot the new computer with an identical clone of your old with no worry of driver conficts
     
    XONi49, Dec 22, 2014
    #6