Have a LEGAL new Sony laptop with Windows 8.0, wanting to downgrade to Windows 7. Both 64bit. Have new 2.5" SSD to install.

Responding:
First, TOM, you are 100% correct in your assessment; however, In addition to my ISSUES with W8 (there wasn't an update 8.1 a year ago), ... there is a 'HATRED' due to being outright LIED to by Sony reps. You do not set aside an expensive (for me) laptop ( Sony (SVS13A290X) custom ordered with carbon fiber, discrete graphics, BluRay Burner drive,a~1/4" thick Slice battery doubling battery life mated to bottom of laptop ) without some deliberation. Did spend that year, trying to get Sony to honor our deal or return for credit against touch laptop- no success). . Had Sony been HONEST on the W8 issue, a similar model with a touch screen would've been purchased Did spend an honest 40 hours ++ trying to downgrade, many hours trying to have Sony exchange laptops, then days spent trying to work with W8, including burning system backup discs manufacturers no longer include- NO success. Only THEN was the Sony set aside for emergencies, if and when the principal ASUS laptop died (use HDMI cord to IPS panel, a full size keyboard and mouse, using laptop as a desktop computer.).

Second: Tom, NO POINT IN REHASHING ANCIENT HISTORY. Reasons for the Questions on Tom's Hardware was to find the BEST WAY to move forward today. Clarification from your email:

#1- You mentioned, ..... " MANY of the SSD makers (all depends whom you bought) include a SATA to USB3 cable and software 'kit' that lets you replicate your current drive to the SSD, then simply swap drives, plug in the HDD with the cable to the USB3 port and WIPE the HDD before mounting it, ... "
Do you have a specific cable set or software you'd recommend to 'CLONE' the W7 Op system directly from the Asus W7 laptop, directly to the Sony laptop after the new SSD drive is installed? When installing a new 480GB SSD drive in the Sony laptop to replace a 5400rpm with 500GB HDD, that should be a clean install- correct?
Is there is a specific program and/or set of cables to transfer data from one laptop to another which you've found to be reliable? Or a specific brand or items which other members found that works? There's no point in my reinventing the wheel on this. (my equip: ASUS G51 model has an eSATA port available and the Sony has an USB 3.0 port ) ,

#2- You mentioned ... "(you need to buy a secondary mounting HDD kit seperately from ALL laptop makers, else the drive 'bangs around' inside) ... ".
The he Sony's existing 500 GB HDD is a 7mm thick drive. The new Intel SSD is a 7mm 480GB drive. I'm expecting the 7mm SSD to be a 'drop in' part; without additional adapters, etc. IF wrong, what should I be looking for?
Will look into the links you provided; as well as MaxPC articles I've saved in past year. There is no warranty, so the current plan is to install SSD drive (480GB) and either W7 or some other op system to use this laptop. Since I'd prefer having W7 and need to transfer FILES and programs on the ASUS to the Sony anyway, CLONING would be great if it works. Thank you for your time in responding . davzway

ps: YES. I know I'll have to deal with W8 at some point, or deal with W9. May even be driven to using Apple's OP system

W7 works with everything except DVD burner which only has xp drivers. Mfgr. hasn't updated to W7, guess to force purchase of new equipment. Something made actually lasts, then made obsolete by software What a world.

reply: That's why I came back to Toms Hardware, as I've been getting so much 'advise' which was contrary, it was time to go where there's usually knowledgeable folks. Have to give some thought to this. Likely better to just buy Windows program, install on new SSD and be done with it.

In a LAPTOP, there is room in the mounting bay, to install a second drive if you have the right bracket. Per Sony, HDD was 7mm, which is why a 7mm SSD was purchased in similar size, hdd-500GB, ssd-48GB, even though no programs are there which didn't come originally. Thanks again, dave

Why I came back to Tom's Hardware. Been getting too many conflicting 'opinions' which don't sound plausible.
I never bought into the 'program' and cables idea which would 'CLONE' the entire drive of an ASUS onto a Sony laptop; any more than I did using a W7 for ASUS on the Sony. It's like the CABLES being sold with yellow/red/white RCA plugs at one end, with an HDMI plug at the other end, saying they can change an analog signal into a digital signal. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN IN THIS LIFE.

Question is back to either BUY W7 (which everything I have works with) or wait for W9 which it appears is close (September 30, 2014) but W9, which I've seen very little in facts, may not work any better than initial W8 since Microsoft uses us for testing products. Windows Media Center which doesn't seem to work on W8 (haven't 'tried' W8.1, so I'd have to rely on others who've made WMC work on W8.1). Have a 500GB and a 1TB hard drive external units to back up the 8.0 (use 500GB to back up W8 on HDD)..

It seems most use HDD for backup, vs DVD discs. Initially I tried 32GB USB key per magazine article, didn't work even though FILE size was less than usb key.. Likely did a step wrong somewhere.

Question outstanding:
Been too many years since I've swapped a drive in a laptop. There is enough space when mfgr. claims the HDD is 7mm (500gb), for TWO drives? The Intel SSD is 7mm. Was looking for a drop in and not expecting to need another bracket. If both 7mm drives will work in the laptop, what 'description' should be searched for to adapt the second drive in the laptop. If ONE fits, I'd just as soon use 3.0 USB and external HDD for added storage.

Responding: USAFRet has it right. I go back to having DOS on computers and Windows (3?) was great compared to DOS. Look at where Apple has gone since Steve Jobs took over the last time (great payback for kicking him out of the company he and Wozinsky ? started). Most successful company in the world, having what ? some $380 Billion in cash reserves , that's $ with a B. But this question isn't about Apple.

Did all that was suggested and more with Sony. Sony is great when it come to reps opening up a 'Case Number',, but NOTHING gets done. Have at least four case # in past 10-12 months. Will try one last time and push for Sony sending W7 op system disc, which will make us 'even' insofar as the original purchase. Whether I go to W9 or the fully 'developed' W8 remains to be seen. May end up buying a Mac book laptop and be done with it. I know they are more expensive, particularly adding in 'Apple Care' for an extended warranty ; HOWEVER, YOU HAVE AN ENGLISH SPEAKING REP WHO KNOWS SOMETHING, WHO WILL SPEND HOURS WITH ON THE PHONE OR ONLINE, if you cannot get to an Apple Store. Apple products tend to work (more so than other mfgr.'s), and their support cannot be bettered anywhere. Next cell phone, and likely tablet will be Apple when I can get up the $$.

Still ancient history. Need to make changes that work to have programs that WORK without a great deal of hassle or effort every time they're used. Original W8 was designed to tablets or at least TOUCH screen products; however they made it their NEW OP SYS for computers. Try to use Windows Media Center with W8.

Got the answers (Thanks guys) for having the W7 op system (or groan W8 updated) on new SSD in the Sony.

Still confused on how much space is available in Sony when swapping the500Gb HDD (7mm) for the new SSD 480GB 7mm drive. If it fit, prefer to just to a swap of HDD for the SSD; having no interest in added storage Inside the Sony laptop, preferring to use external HDD for that purpose. Is the 7mm SSD a drop in , no other parts required, exchange for the existing 7mm HDD with 500GB. Thanks again, davzway

You are 100% right on drive thickness... and I did check... Really a different issue, but in case you know : My 13" compact Sony (SVS13A290X) has a 7mm drive for HDD (500GB), which is why I only looked at 7mm thickness (not 9.5mm) for 2.5" drives. FYI,,, I've learned to also check the WATTS used by a Drive at both IDLE and when under LOAD.... normally SSD compared to HDD use less watts, are faster so time being used is less, and normally generate less heat; and I was looking for quality and longevity in the SSD -- more so than Speed and Performance.... the watts i missed.

Bought the Intel 730 Series 480 GB (deal at under $250) and the SSD ( I now know) uses 1.3-1.5w at idle and 1.3 - 1.5w under load, without having anything for battery conservation, enterprise class durability with 5-year warranty. With the Sony's original battery and the Slice Battery (VGP-BPSC-24) which doubles normal battery time when portable, 95% of time the Sony is plugged in like a desktop and sits on a fan cooler pad. MY ONLY concern is HEAT. Do not have any desire to put in something which generates too much heat which is not GOOD for any electronics. Most say it WILL work, but not their laptop.

Anyone out there who HAS the Intel 730 Series 480GB SSD in their laptop? Work okay? Battery life differences?

It would appear that I have offended Tom with my questions and if so, my apologies. I have more than a passing knowledge in mechanical engineering, and thermodynamics going back to Vanderbilt Univ. in 1967 College of Engineering (Chemical); and my not having replaced a drive personally in a laptop does not mean I have NO knowledge of the components. Always good to read a refresher coarse.

In the future will stick to HARD FACTS, without any history, when and if asking a question. Thank you for your time. Dave

Did say cable,, not conversion boxes,, CABLE with RCA plugs at one end ,, with HDMI plug at other end,,, WILL NOT convert digital to analog. Can pick anything apart, or take out of context, or slander what you believe is someones lack of experience; however, nothing is solved.

Provided Sony model number in case someone KNOWS about the drive space, Have not opened it up, Then I'll know. Did check with mfgr and other sites,, verify it had 7mm drive. Last laptop I ever replace drive with, only had ONE SPACE one size drive. Trial and error will get it done. I will check with Intel regarding the 730 Series drive. thanks for your time.