T420s - mSATA SSD migration

[revoldver]

Hello!

I've purchased the Intel 310 80 Gb mSATA SSD for my T420s (4171-6PG, Win 7 Pro 64) and want to ask about OS migration.

What steps I need to perform after installing the new drive?

Should I use any utilities (e. g. Acronis Migrate Easy or True Image) to perform the system migration or Lenovo System Recovery will copy clean factory installed OS to my new drive instead of HDD when I'll choose "Full system recovery"?

Could I use hibernation mode with my new SSD drive or it can make degradation of the drive in future?

Thanks a lot!

[T420sUser · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I just installed the Intel 310 80 GB mSATA SSD for my T420s too using Lenovo System Recovery method and everything is working great. 

Here are the steps I used for the installation process:

1)  Backup the computer using Lenovo System Recovery (I used a 16gb USB flash drive (make sure you format the USB flashdrive to make it bootable first) - but you can back up to DVDs too)

2)  Turn on computer, hold down F1 to access system menu.  Change boot sequence to USB first then DVD-RAM drive.

3)  Install Intel mSATA drive

4) Optional:  You can temporarily remove your regular HD now if you want to take the extra precaution so you don't do the recovery on your existing drive.

4)  Insert USB or DVD Recovery disk and turn on computer.  The computer will try to boot from the USB first then DVD drive etc..

5)  Follow on screen instructions to do Full System Recovery to the SSD drive.

6)  The computer is now back to factory setting with the new Intel SSD as the primary drive.

7)  I deleted the recovery partition on the SSD drive to free up space since I already have the back up on my USB stick/DVDs

8)  Reinstall your regular HD if you removed it in Step 4. 

9)  Download Intel SSD Toolbox software:  http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=18455

10)  Disable hibernation (after reading countless posts, the general concensus is to turn it off)

11)  When everything is working fine you can format the old HD but keep the recovery partition- just in case.

[revoldver]

Thanks a lot, great manual!

My mSATA SSD works fine with recovedred Win 7 by Lenovo!

[peednus]

If you have time to tinker, you might find this helpful:

http://www.overclock.net/t/664738/how-to-setup-ssd-boot-drive-with-secondary-hard-disc-optimization

[sonic28]

Very helpful thread!

I am going to buy a mSata SSD to pair with my new T420 laptop.

I saw in other posts that if one uses the recovery software to migrate the OS, there will be alignment problem in SSD?

Plus to that, I wonder whether the blue thinkvantage button will still function at the start-up after this migration?

Thanks you.

[Brotmaschine]

Hello.

My new Samsung 128GB mSata does not run in my t420s.

2101 Detection Error 2. HDD (MiniSata)

The SSD ist new out of the Box so i think the ssd is ok. Have the t420s the same Problem how the x220 last year with msata?

i hope anyone can help me.

T420s 4174-2AG WWAN ready

thanks

[brendo]

Did you ever figure out the problem with your install? Is there a size limitation in general on the mSATA drive capability in the WWAN port? I'm trying to fit the largest mSATA drive there I can since the SSD that came in my t420s is only 160gb. My plan is to pair it with a 256gb mSATA drive, will this work? Anyone forsee any problems here?

The SSD that comes in the t420s doesn't use the mSATA port already, does it? Because the machine is still "WWAN capable" as it was sold and presently configured.

Also, any recommendations on the fastest and largest drive that will fit in the WWAN mSATA port?

Thanks!

[brendo]

Specifically, will a SATA III drive be faster than a SATA II drive in this configuration?