Bobby,
This is coming in instalments as there are a number of natural "phases", and some outcomes/answers might affect subsequent stages.
In your own time, no rush (and I'll be out walking for part of the day).
Early Preparation
- You're going to need your laptop asis for a while, so don't consider switching the HDD/SSD yet.
- Check your current program/application estate with the laptop asis - make a list of what is installed that you want/need on the new install, and think where you're going to get installation media/any product keys from. This will be your last (easy) chance.
- Do another quick check that you've got your data secure for re-installation (though the original HDD in the caddy will be a fallback for as long as it doesn't die)
- Decide whether you're happy with your top-level user folder in the new Windows being set in stone to the first 5 characters of your Microsoft Account ID (you can't safely change it later) - MS account is somewhat quicker/easier, but if you're really not happy there's a workaround to a "local" account required later in the process (which I can add, but only if you let me know now).
- Whatever, make sure you do know your Microsoft Account ID and Password (the one that your digital licence is linked to)
- Hit the Windows key, type "sysinfo" whilst the menu is there, select the "System Information" menu item, and using the resulting screen:
> confirm to yourself which Windows you have (Home vs Pro. You must clean install the same as you currently have)
> expand the "Components" tree, "Storage" then "IDE" and confirm you can see "AHCI" somewhere in the description in the fields there (probably Name and/or Manufacturer fields) It is almost certain to be there, but if not, it isn't best prepared for an SSD, and there is another step (not yet included) before starting Windows install - let me know if it isn't and we'll need a BIOS change before install.
- We need to check you can get into the boot menu. If it's messy or not as expected you might get delayed later.
> Bring the laptop up (if it isn't already) and then restart it using Windows power button options.
> Repeatedly hit F12 (or Fn + F12 if your keyboard requires) as it restarts to (try to) get the boot menu (you'll recognise it if it works!).
> (If that doesn't bring the boot menu, but boots into Windows, try again (restarting) a few times - timing is fairly critical - I hit the key(s) about every second from the moment I power on or the "restarting" message disappears).
> If/when you do get the boot menu, we've confirmed F12 works, and you can "Esc" out.
The next step was going to be to clean the SSD up, but the photo from last night shows it can be left until the installation process.
Once you're happy with the above, we'll download the installation files to a USB stick (next instalment - written but to be posted after we're happy with the above).
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