How to do a clean install of Windows 8 and Windows 7 (dual-boot) on m-sata SSD on the x230?

Hi--

I finally ordered my X230 tablet last night, under the New Year deal. I ordered the 500GB 7200 HDD, and actually the configuration I got came with a 16GB mSATA SSD, at no extra charge. However, I will most likely replace that with a larger mSATA SSD (the Crucial 256MB mSATA SSD is now available at Amazon, and I think Newegg as well, for $190), and make that my system drive.

I ordered the Win 8 64 Pro OS. However, not yet sure how I will like Win 8, whether all my software and hardware will work with it, etc., so planning a dual boot with Win 7, and perhaps even a triple boot with XP as well, which I still like. (I have purchased licenses for both Win7 and XP.) I would like to do a clean install, to get rid of all the bloatware and advertising crap

I have done clean installs and dual-boot on other computers in the past, but that was a few years ago, and I don't remember everything. Furthermore, this will be the first time with Win 8, of course the first time on an X230, and the first time installing OSes to a drive other than the main HDD.

Could anyone give me any tips on doing this, point me towards a tutorial that can help, etc.?

Also, for those who have done clean installs on Thinkpads, your opinion on the following? Of course after the clean install of the OS one has to install drivers, etc., for the hardware of the computer. Most likely on a Thinkpad that would usually include installing all the Thinkpad-Thinkvantage software. My question is--is it really necessary to install the latter? Windows already comes with a power manager, for instance. Is there really any need or advantage to installing the Thinkpad power manager? Ditto with all the other system software that comes with a Thinkpad. Could some or all of it also be considered bloatware that unnecessarily uses up resources, or is some or all of it necessary, or useful in some way?

Thank you in advance.

 

Sure. VMware Workstation: Run Multiple OS, Linux, Windows 8 & More

 

Which software and drivers to use when doing a clean install has been discussed here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo/642274-hearsts-guide-clean-installing-windows-7-thinkpad.html

Power Manager is generally recommended.

 

Thank you. I will read that thread. So is it the same with Win8, and the same for all models of Thinkpad? Any difference regarding installing it not on the main drive (HDD), but on the mSATA SSD?

Why is the TP Power Manager generally recommended? What functionality does it add not present in the Windows Power Manager?

 

Power Manager isn't present and doesn't work with Windows 8 at this time. The Windows 7 version of Power Manager adds roughly 20% more control over settings not present in the Power applet native to Windows 7 Control Panel. In addition, there are battery life and maintenance functions, profiles, and discrete settings for Turbo modes and fan control.

The reason I advised a virtualization program is because of the complexities involved in running multiple operating systems on native hardware. It isn't for the faint of heart. This is especially true when considering Windows 8 UEFI, Secure Boot keys, and other partition and boot configuration settings.

It would be far simpler to use Windows 8 Hyper-V virtualization (free), Oracle VirtualBox (still free I think), or VMWare Workstation (expensive). If you don't need native hardware performance and support, it is an option you should seriously consider.

 

Thors--thanx for the suggestion, but no, I am not considering virtualization, but multiple boot. I have set up a dual-boot before (Win 7 and XP), and it wasn't difficult. Is there something more difficult about including Win 8 in a multiple boot?

Also, I have no idea how to clean install Win 8. The x230 did not come with any optical discs. There is a procedure to make "recovery discs", but I assume that is to recover the machine to how it came from the factory, not for a clean install. Is there a way to make or download a win 8 install disc, that can be used for a clean install? Also, although I bought the computer with Win8 Pro, and therefore assume I own a license to it, I have seen no serial #, CD key, or anything like that. Now (as it came from the factory) win 8 seems to be activated and legit. But if I get the install disk and do a clean install of Win 8, how will I activate it, without knowing my serial number, etc.?

Also, I would like to know how to clean install these multiple OSes on an msata ssd which I am about to order, instead of the HDD. Usually for multiple boot one creates multiple partitions, one for each OS, perhaps another one for data used in all the OSes. Can an msata SSD be partitioned?

Thanks in advance.

 

Any more ideas on this?

 

I've only been down part of this path so I don't have all the answers you need. For starters, I have a MSDN subscription and access to the .ISO's of the operating systems. I also have the retail Windows 8 DVD.

I have installed Windows 7 and Windows 8 in a dual boot fashion. I have not tested secure boot or BitLocker in a dual boot scenario. Dual boot is actually pretty easy and straightforward when the machine is set to legacy BIOS mode and you are installing the operating systems into discrete partitions or VHDs. It gets more complex when you introduce secure boot, bitlocker, connected standby, etc.

Installing to a mSATA storage device is no different than a HDD or full sized SSD. They all look the same to windows setup. When I install to mSATA, it is the only device present in the machine. I don't want the boot configuration data to get confused about that. Subsequent devices are formatted before being added so there is no OS and confusion.

Before you do ANYTHING, clone (I use backup) the current disk with a good tool like Acronis True Image Home 2013.

See Methodology to create Recovery Media and reload a Lenovo system with Microsoft Windows 8 preload for Lenovo's official procedure on creating Windows 8 media for their machines. I have not tested it to confirm it works. I know True Image works.

The Windows 8 key to your machine is embedded and not visible. Windows 8 setup.exe will read it and use it on a new install. When I tested that process with my Samsung Series 9 machine, I used the official retail Microsoft media DVD and it read the key from my machine without issue, and activated upon connecting to the internet. I assume the ThinkPad will do the same thing.

Install Windows 7 first. Install Windows 8 after. Yes, you need to partition the mSATA device unless you use native boot from VHD.

Good luck