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708
April 5th, 2023 09:00
Inspiron 3670 SSD (C) drive upgrade
Inspiron 3670
I have a 3670, which I think is four years old. The SSD is 100 gb, and I want to upgrade to a 500 or even 1 tb ssd.
It has been a long time since I replaced a C drive on a computer. This one came with Windows 10 IIRC.
If I simply take out the old SSD and insert a new one, what then? I do have installation files for Windows 10 on a flash drive. But would Windows in some way, read the serial number or would I have to enter it? Is it on the outside of the shell somewhere, or does that sticker just contain the serial number of the computer itself?
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Chino de Oro
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8.1K Posts
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April 5th, 2023 10:00
The Windows license is embedded in BIOS on motherboard. When you install Windows, license type will be installed accordingly (Home, Pro). After installation, Windows will be activated automatically when PC is connecting to internet.
PrrPrr
6 Posts
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April 5th, 2023 10:00
So swapping out an SSD is like upgrading RAM, correct? You pull it out of the slot, and then insert the new SSD?
Chino de Oro
9 Legend
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8.1K Posts
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April 5th, 2023 10:00
Basically yes, on the same type of SSD, it just a simple swap. Review some upgrade works to get yourself familiar with accessing the components.
Edited to add another ssd upgrade video
PrrPrr
6 Posts
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April 5th, 2023 10:00
Thanks. That makes it easy.
PrrPrr
6 Posts
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April 10th, 2023 15:00
One last question. If I'm going to install Windows 10 from a USB drive, onto my new SSD that is arriving today, would I have to go into BIOS and have the usb drives boot first (in priority)?
If not, how else could I get a computer to boot up, to install windows on a blank SSD?
Chino de Oro
9 Legend
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8.1K Posts
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April 11th, 2023 06:00
Download Windows 10 creation tool to make an installation USB drive. It is a simple process, just run the downloaded tool and select 64-bit of your language, tick the box to create for use on another machine. Use at least 8gb USB drive.
When you have everything in place such as new drive installed, BIOS set to UEFI, enable AHCI in SATA mode, boot your PC with the installation drive and immediately tapping on F12 at Dell logo until you get a one time boot menu. From boot menu, you will see the USB drive, just select it (using arrow key) and hit Enter. Just follow instructions on screen to perform installation (not upgrade). At that time, it will find proper license and installing the right version (pro or home). In destination of installation, select unallocated space (new SSD drive) and select next to allow Windows formatting, creating partition by itself. Windows installation would take around 15 min and will restart a few times before complete.