Tips for switching to an SSD in your ASUS ROG laptop
Tips for switching to an SSD in your ASUS ROG laptop
I owned a G750JW last year. After purchasing it (Windows 8), I followed these steps: 1/ Used Asus BackTracker to capture the Windows image on a 16GB USB flash drive; 2/ Disconnected the HDD, replaced it with an SSD to avoid data loss; 3/ Placed Windows 7 on the SSD. When I sold my laptop, I reinstalled Windows 8 onto the SSD using Asus BackTracker.
You could mount the SSD via an optical drive bay caddy, and yes, you can run Windows on it while connecting the HDD.
Ensure Windows is installed on the correct drive. I understand Windows 7 sets up a partition (100Mo, protected) on the HDD even when you install on an SSD. That’s why I disconnect every other drive but the SSD during installation. For Windows 8, I’m not sure about this behavior... If it isn’t, then you can leave the HDD connected. But why avoid cloning the HDD to the SSD? It would be simpler if you prefer keeping Windows 8...
I don’t have personal preferences, but I can suggest some reliable free and safe software options based on common use.
With the new operating system, the product key stays linked to the laptop initially and moves to the SSD once the installation is complete.
Backup data from the old HDD to an external device such as a USB stick or another drive. Prepare a bootable USB with Windows ISO if you don’t have the installation disc. Replace the existing drives, set the boot computer to the USB, and install Windows using the embedded key on the motherboard. I recently moved from a 1TB HDD to a 120GB Samsung Pro and just upgraded to a 500GB Samsung Evo last week. Avoid cloning your drive if you want a fresh Windows installation. Move important files to a thumb drive, cloud storage, or similar source and continue working from there.