Need to transfer my OS to an SSD in my new lenovo laptop

TechnoD

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Jun 25, 2012
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Hi all,
So i just got myself a new lenovo laptop (G505s) and an SSD (PNY Optima). I would like to install windows and my programs onto this drive, once it is installed. However, when i started up the laptop (with the factory hdd), i could not find a "create recovery disc" software anywhere (came with "Lenovo Onekey" - only restores, through windows, a PC image from the hdd). I was wondering if any of you knew how to install windows (8) onto the ssd without using a cloning software (i do know its better to use a clean install). The laptop has a dvd drive, and i have several blank dvds. I also have several large flash drives if necessary.
I do also have access to a desktop if i need to plug either the hdd or the ssd into a computer for manipulation, etx.

Thanks all
 

mbreslin1954

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Nov 27, 2010
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The only way to do it reliably is to use cloning software. The method I use is to make a backup system image of the laptop HDD to an external HDD using Acronis True Image, then swap the laptop HDD with the new SSD, then boot with the Acronis boot disk, then do a Recover of the previously made system image. Works every time.
 

TechnoD

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Jun 25, 2012
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Hey guys, thanks for the quick response. I was reading online that I can get my windows 8 product key from my PC installation and get the windows 8 boot media from something called "Digital River". Is this possible? would it work for my PC? I already checked lenovo's website and they have all the windows 8 drivers for download (so maybe i can skip all that bloatware.. :) )
 

TechnoD

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Jun 25, 2012
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Hey all,
So i found this link to microsoft's windows 8 iso creator - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only

i downloaded the windows 8 exe, but when i put in my laptop win 8 key, it said that it can't take OEM keys. :/

Still determined, I found this forum post. I clicked the second link and I am now downloading the ISO (second forum post - google drive link).

http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/54551-Windows-8-ISO-HELP-en_windows_8_x64_dvd_915440-iso

Once I have the iso, how can i verify if it is a legitimate windows 8 and that it doesn't have a viruses?
also, is there a good software for burning this iso to a flash drive? (is there a flash drive size requirement? 4GB, 8GB, etx).

Thanks all.
 

mbreslin1954

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Nov 27, 2010
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I don't think it will work for you, because you'll need a working (non-volume license) product key:

"If you don't have a Windows 8.1 product key, you can't create installation media. You can't use a Windows 8 product key for this."

Fortunately, you can use the Windows 7 USB DVD tool. Here are directions, including links, for doing it with Windows 8:

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows-8/a/install-windows-8-usb.htm

 

TechnoD

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Jun 25, 2012
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Hey all,
So i downloaded that ISO of windows 8, and the windows 7 DVD tool, used it to create a bootable DVD and it worked, except for one small problem.
So it all activated (went into system -> said windows was activated, gave last 5 digits of my win key), but when I went to get the latest windows updates, they would fail upon installation, and the PC would no longer run (boot loop, power up, then it says please wait, then restart, etx). so I got the latest drivers from lenovo, and did a clean win 8 install, installed the drivers, and it did the same thing. Any ideas on how to fix this?