Minimum required bootable storage for the dead laptop undergoing repair
Minimum required bootable storage for the dead laptop undergoing repair
Sending a nonworking Windows laptop for repair under warranty. I swapped the original 1TB M.2 drive for a 4TB one and reformatted the 1TB drive for external use. They claim a bootable drive must be installed, but the laptop is completely unresponsive, making it impossible to perform a clean Windows 11 installation. I have a complete backup with recovery partitions. What I need is enough space on the drive so they can test the system without installing anything else. I also have Windows 11 on my desktop and tools like Macrium Reflect and AOEMI Partition Magic (full version) that could help, but I’m unsure how to proceed. Is there a simpler method?
Thanks.
It's unusual for a Windows OS on another system to be considered 'bootable' in this outdated laptop.
Surprising they require a bootable drive.
If it functions sufficiently for Linux installation, proceed with that.
But if it performs adequately for Linux, what are you returning it for?
Get any functional PC.
Keep only the desired drive and discard the rest.
Begin the standard Windows setup, but when it prompts to restart, simply turn off the PC instead of restarting.
Transfer the drive to the laptop.
If the laptop resolves the issue, it will complete the Windows installation. They’ll also gain access to recovery options, which should be sufficient to verify functionality.
Download memtest to a USB drive.
It should start up and run a straightforward diagnostic test.