AGH! Samsung Evo SSD didn't come with SATA cable. Is there anyway to transfer data from HDD to SSD some other way?

Swordfish35

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Sep 15, 2013
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Hey all. Just got both my Asus n550jv (with hdd) and Samsung evo ssd today. I've got windows 8 on the comp, and that's it (except for asus software). I discovered that I didn't get the Evo laptop 'upgrade kit' and just got the SSD itself (and the migration software). Is there anyway to get my OS/data from my new comp's HDD to my SSD without having to buy a cable that should've come with the SSD in the first place?

On a similar note, I want to do a clean install of W8 but the new comp didn't come with any installation discs or anything. I've got the product key via belarc advisor. Is there anyway to do a clean install of W8 without the discs? Also, should I do a clean install first on the HDD then transfer data to the SSD or transfer data then clean install?

Thanks so much!
 
most laptops now the windows restore is on a hidden partion. some vendors let you make a copy of there install software some dont. look at your ownders guild and on asus under laptop support. if it does it be a f key from power on or from inside of windows.
 
If you have any data you want to keep you should transfer it before doing a clean install as a clean install wipes the drive during the install process. If you are talking about cloning the drive then by all means do the clean install before cloning the drive. Unless your laptop has two HDD bays you will need either a cable or a dock to transfer the data because you have to have some way of connecting the drive to the laptop. Instructions for a factory reset can be found on p. 106 of the user manual (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/nb/N550JV/E_eManual_N550JA_JV_LF_VER7914.pdf).
I know you have found the product key but it should be on a sticker underneath the laptop.
 

citizens3

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Oct 10, 2013
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To directly copy your HDD to SSD, you need a SATA cable or a hard drive enclosure that usually comes with a particular cable.

But if its a fresh install then you can do so without a SATA cable below:
Having the product key is not really needed but just in case, use Magicaljellybean Keyfinder to note down your Windows 8 serial number and other info.

You would need to search and download the original, non-pirated/non-activated Windows 8 ISO file(exact same version as you have currently). Look further down to find which one.
After downloading, make a Bootable USB of this file on a 4GB or higher USB flash drive.

Replace your HDD with the SSD and boot your computer using the USB you created. If you don't know how to boot from USB on Windows 8, just google how to.
Now you can install it from the USB to your SSD.

Fresh installation done.

To find the ISO file you need, which Windows 8 do you have? 32 bit? 64 bit? Enterprise or non-Enterprise? Search and download using the filename for the one that pertains to you:

Windows 8 RTM English, 32-bit (x86)
Filename: en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso

Windows 8 RTM English, 64-bit (x64)
Filename: en_windows_8_x64_dvd_915440.iso

Windows 8 RTM English Enterprise, 32-bit (x86)
Filename: en_windows_8_enterprise_x86_dvd_917587.iso

Windows 8 RTM English Enterprise, 64-bit (x64)
Filename: en_windows_8_enterprise_x64_dvd_917522.iso

About activation: Windows 8 computers have the serial number embedded already in the laptop so your computer should recognize you have a legit version and automatically activate it. If something doesn't work, you already noted down the product key from before to manually activate if needed.

One important thing I'd recommend personally is after you install the OS and activate it, don't install/use/do anything just yet. Instead, download and install all the drivers and software needed for your computer by looking up your Asus laptop model on the Asus website. Then let Windows update itself all the way to the latest update. THEN, make a BACKUP SYSTEM IMAGE(everything you have right now on your computer).

Use a software to make the backup, like Macrium Reflect Free. It takes up a bit of space (anywhere from 20 to 40gb or more) so backup it up to an external hard drive.

Backup is made just in case something happens (you get a virus later, or your SSD fails, or whatever) you can restore to this backup (using the same Macrium Reflect program) so you won't have to go through the tedious Windows install and update process over again. This backup can then be restored on any other future hard drive or SSD you plan to replace your current one with.
 

Swordfish35

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Sep 15, 2013
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So I actually just found an old external HDD and took the sata port from it and a spare cable lying around and it worked. So I transferred the data to the SSD and installed it in my new comp. However I'm still confused on how to do a clean install. Do I really need to torrent an ISO? I don't know if I feel comfortable doing that considering I have a legal copy in my comp with the key. Is torrenting an ISO safe?
 

citizens3

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Oct 10, 2013
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Did you see what I noted about activation? Your computer already has your activation key, all you need is the UNactivated, non-pirated, legal Windows 8 ISO file. The computer will use YOUR original license key to activate it. Those filenames I provided don't come with illegal keys. They're just the installation file.