Complete newb here who never opens computers. So here's my take for any other tech phobes.
There are two parts. (1) is the bit where you actually open up the computer and fit the SSD. This is really easy. (2) is getting all your data across to the new SSD and making your computer run from it. This is the bit that needs a little more thought but by no means is it difficult if you have a little patience.
(1)
I updated the firmware first from the Lenovo website to the latest version-- because I've read that it works better at recognising the SSD -- then opened the back. 11 screws need to be removed with a Torx 5 screwdriver. I bought this set which I can say is very well made for the price and the magnetic end actually works: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jackly-Professional-Precision-Screwdriver-Mainternance/dp/B00HNMLBT2/ref=sr_1_1?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1414236203&sr=1-1&keywords=jackly+45+in+1+precision
I bought the M550 M.2 Crucial 256gb.
After you remove the screws and pull the cover off, the SSD simply slots in like lego in the available M.2 slot. Look at the excellent pictures on Page 18 by RichardTheKing to see where. It doesn't require too much force.
Regarding the spare screw needed to hold down the SSD, I bought some hard drive and caddy screws from ebay but none fitted :( I noticed the screw from the back panel of the Lenovo fitted so I decided to use one of those for now. The Hardware Maintenance Manual states the screws required for the back are:
M2 × 6 mm, flat-head, nylok-coated
(11) Lower to Upper
I think a 3mm length is sufficient to secure the SSD (same size screw but shorter length) and I'll be swapping the screws back later. You can get them on ebay or from a hardware/computer store, or steal it from an old laptop or mobile phone.
(2)
I watched a couple of Youtube videos to get familiar with Windows Disk Management and Macrium Reflect interfaces. There’s nothing more overwhelming that an interface you’ve never seen before.
This was a good overview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWM79HCzdDA
and his newer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0PyZIqecII
Loads of others, but this guy is useful too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTl3NbyO6cM
After installing the SSD, I started the computer and went in to Computer Management > Disk Drive Management but still no SSD appearing to initialise it (Windows auto prompts when you launch Disk Management).
So i restarted in to the BIOS: Settings > PC Settings > Update and Recovery > Recovery > Advanced Startup, Restart Now > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware settings
As per RichardTheKing’s screenshots on page 18, my information tab was showing the Crucial SSD this time and I hadn’t made any changes. So I exited and started Windows again as normal. This time I went in to Disk Management and it popped up asking me to initialise it. I chose GPT (not master boot) because I noticed the existing drive is GPT. So that’s it, finally the drive is there.
Next I downloaded and installed Macrium Reflect Free. Launched it and selected clone this disk option, then Copy Selected Paritions and selected all 7 partitions – why on earth are there 7?! I don’t know why more than two are needed, but I want a full ‘as is’ copy so I didn’t investigate. You can remove partitions later anyway.
This is where you hit a glitch. Macrium will say there is not enough space even though there is. The existing drive is 500gb and even though only a fraction is in use – well under 256gb which is available on my SSD – the way the partitions are ‘spread’ out means that some of the partitions begin on a disk location above the 256gb. So what you actually need to do is copy all the drives up to and including the Windows partition. Then you need to resize the Windows partition because it’s taking up all the space. On the Destination disk, select the Windows partition then something like Partition properties. The remaining two drives (Lenovo D and PBR_DRV) need 19gb + 4gb space, so reduce the size of the Windows Parition by 23gb. Then simply drag the Lenovo D and PBR_V drives on to the destination disk in the space you just made and they will fit perfectly
Then I just ran it and Macrium cloned everything over in 54 minutes.
Finally, enter BIOS again, this time go across to the Boot up tab (as per screenshots on page 18) then change the order so that it boots from the Crucial SSD. That’s it. Done. Everything worked fine for me and it booted up really quickly.
The only thing I need to decide now is when I will wipe the HDD to use it as storage. I want to make a backup image using Macrium too. Wiping it and reformatting is really easy if you watched those videos.
By the way guys, What are the two wires, one is black i think, going in to the thing next to the SSD slot. I think it might be the processor. My black wire broke off, I sort of pushed it back on but it didn't seem too secure. The laptop is working fine though. Why is it so flimsy if it's important.