So I just got a new Lenovo ultrabook and I'd like to replace the HDD with an SSD. I thought I would go about replacing the drive and reinstalling windows like I always have, only to learn that things are going a bit different with Windows 8. The first thing I noticed was that there is no sticker with the CD key and later learned that the key is now embedded in the bios for OEM machines with Windows 8. Apparently the key is automatically found if your use the OEM recovery discs to reinstall windows. The problem is my ultrabook has no DVD drive and I did not receive any recovery discs with the laptop.
So it seems I have two options for replacing my HDD with an SSD and reinstalling Windows 8.
1) I can spend $60 to get the recovery discs from Lenovo and $20 to get an external DVD drive, then I can reinstall Windows 8 as normal.
2) I can buy an SATA to USB adapter and download some software to clone my HDD to the SSD.
The first option is more expensive and I'd like to avoid spending an extra $80 to replace my hard drive. The second option seems more risky with a higher risk of failure (I've heard cloning doesn't always work as advertised).
I'd be willing to try the cloning method, but my HDD has 5 or 6 different partitions and I'm worried they won't all be cloned properly. Has anyone successfully upgraded their Windows 8 laptop to an SSD and been able to get the OEM windows 8 reinstalled? Are there any alternatives I'm not thinking of?
So it seems I have two options for replacing my HDD with an SSD and reinstalling Windows 8.
1) I can spend $60 to get the recovery discs from Lenovo and $20 to get an external DVD drive, then I can reinstall Windows 8 as normal.
2) I can buy an SATA to USB adapter and download some software to clone my HDD to the SSD.
The first option is more expensive and I'd like to avoid spending an extra $80 to replace my hard drive. The second option seems more risky with a higher risk of failure (I've heard cloning doesn't always work as advertised).
I'd be willing to try the cloning method, but my HDD has 5 or 6 different partitions and I'm worried they won't all be cloned properly. Has anyone successfully upgraded their Windows 8 laptop to an SSD and been able to get the OEM windows 8 reinstalled? Are there any alternatives I'm not thinking of?