How To: Install mSATA SSD & Clone/Migrate Windows Installation [INCOMPLETE]

All,

As promised, here is the write-up of the mSATA SSD installation on my Y470p. First off, I have not figured out all of the kinks. The toughest part I have encountered was using the Linux program 'GParted' to ensure proper efficiency and performance from the mSATA SSD. This is not a required step so if not completed correctly, your SSD will not be functioning at peak performance. With that said, I can say that my computer boots up MUCH faster than usual even though I have not figured that part out yet (any help is very much appreciated!).

Now, on to the write-up...

THIS WILL TAKE AT LEAST 2 HOURS FROM START TO FINISH!

HARDWARE THAT YOU NEED

• mSATA SSD (I bought the MyDigital mSATA SSD 128GB)
• Small Phillips Screwdriver
• A Small Screw to Secure the SSD (the SSD I bought had one included in the bag which fit perfectly)

SOFTWARE THAT YOU NEED

• EaseUS Partition Master
• GParted Live

Also, this link is where I got all of the information on how to do this -- if something isn't clear on my write-up then please, reference this page.

This is how my SSD came packaged. Size comparison next to my Logitech mouse:




1. Install your mSATA SSD
Flip the laptop over. Get your screwdriver ready. The panel that you need to open is the one directly under the Lenovo badging; approximately 2 inches long with one screw. Unscrew that screw and wiggle the piece until it comes free. The below image is how it should look with the SSD right above the installation point.








Once this step is completed (drive inserted into the slot, screw tightened down) then go ahead and restart your computer. The below image shows that Windows recognized the new hardware and it is ready to use:




2. Defrag Your Backup Data.... and Backup That Data
Run a defrag on your main drive where Windows is stored. Then we're going to open up EaseUS Partition Master. For this part you NEED a (preferably empty external HDD) spare HDD. When you're making the backup, the program deletes ALL of the data on the external HDD that you're using so that it can properly clone all of your data and Windows installation onto that drive.

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Guys/gals, at this point, I really am going to have to ask you to reference the above stated link where I got all of my information from. It is getting late and I feel that I am now duplicating the steps that the original author so graciously provided.

The link referenced is HERE.

The instructions on there are pretty thorough, ALTHOUGH, I still have absolutely no idea on how to use GParted. As I said earlier, this step is not absolutely necessary but if someone can advise how I can even run GParted on my Windows machine so I can complete that necessary step then please advise. I can't get it to open by mounting the .ISO or even burning it to a DVD and trying to run that way.

If you have any other questions please feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer them as they come.

Thanks for your attention all and I apologize for this not being a completely thorough write-up but life beckons!

 

Thanks for the write up and the pictures. Will definitely come in handy when it comes time to install an SSD of my own.
Did you follow the all the advice on from the link you provided. Seems very complicated process, but hey, if it works...

 

No problem! Yeah I followed it to the T. Make sure you read ahead a step or print out the instructions. Should come in handy.

Still waiting on anyone to advise how to run GParted? Still, my computer is fast as heck -- startup is almost instantaneous.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

 

For running GParted, do you mean another option other than booting from CD? That would be the way, I think.

 

I've burned it to the CD but it won't run. I don't see any .exe files or any autorun options. Very confused and not sure what to do next?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

 

Are you rebooting the computer with the CD in the drive and have set boot priority to the disk drive?

 

Yes, it just wound up booting into windows normally. Maybe I burned it incorrectly? I burned it as an image file...

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

 

I think that is it then. the image file is not executable. needs some kind of .ini or .bat files to boot, I think.

 

The dude who posted his experience installing a regular SSD in the Y470 Owner's thread might be able to help too if reburning doesn't do the trick...

Thanks for posting your pictures!

 

i shall re-burn when i get some more time and advise of the results!

 

I came across a guide for the Lenovo IdeaPad U300e. This ultrabook comes with a SSD+HDD hybrid combo, but it seems that in my country they come with the OS installed on the HDD, instead of the SSD.

The Lenovo distributor says that's the way it is, which is quite infuriating cos I don't get the speed benefits of the SSD.

Fortunately I came across this guide that helps you to move the OS from HDD to SSD: Lenovo Ideapad U300e Review - Home

 

What's your WEI score and/or crystal disk mark scores for that SSD?

 

I will try to advise on this ASAP -- quite busy at the moment.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

 

Linux user to the rescue!

You can't just burn the .iso to a disc, use a tool like img burn to burn it. You were burning the file to a disc ( I assume). an ISO is like a virtual disc, so you have to burn its contents to a disc. Then when your booting hit F8/F12/DEL or whatever key your BIOS says for 'Boot Options', and select your optical drive from the options.

1. Open up img burn
2. Select burn image to disc
3. Select your iso
4. Burn
5. Wait
6. PROFIT!

​

Let me know if that helps!

The Official ImgBurn Website

ImgBurn - CNET Download.com

 

Sorry for bumping this thread, but would any one know the size of the screw that fits that slot? The Crucial mSATA disk doesn't come with any unfortunately.