Solved Clean install on internal SSD

Hi everyone,

I got a Lenovo U410 and it comes with 750GB plus 24GB SSD. I think it is possible to install win 8 on the SSD drive? Correct me if I'm wrong, please.

Also, the main reason why I'm asking is:
1) I don't have a sticker on the back of my computer with a key, and I don't know what I'd do if software asked me for it
2) It doesn't have a CD/DVD drive. Would it be possible to boot windows from external HDD or I'd need a memory stick?

Thank you.

Hello Lestro, and welcome to Eight Forums.

I'm sorry, but 24GB is really just to small for a Windows installation. You would run out of free space almost instantly. I wouldn't recommend anything under 50GB for the bare minimum without planning on having much installed.


Q1) Since this is an OEM PC that came with Windows 8 preinstalled, your product key will be embedded in the UEFI/BIOS firmware chip on the motherboard. It will be detected and entered automatically anytime you reinstall your Windows 8 on only that specific PC.

Q2) You could to reset Windows 8 to be able to do a factory recovery of Windows 8 on the PC anytime you like. If you like, you could also create a recovery drive (USB flash drive) to use to do a factory recovery with as well.
Hope this helps,
Shawn

The small drive is probably being used for the Intel Smart Response Technology to speed up the operation of the Hard Drive. If you are going to start messing around, you might want to read up to see how the Smart Technology is set up and what might need to be done to change the system.

Intel® Smart Response Technology: Technology Brief

But I agree with Brink, it is really small to install an OS.

Good to know, thanks guys.I don't plan on messing with the system. In some Amazon laptop reviews, I read about reinstalling OS on SSD and hence my question. My memory usage doesn't go below 30%. Is that normal for Win 8? I have 8GB of ram. I've been always using Win 7. There are no big processes in Task Manager, only a lot of small ones. Also, my fan runs continuously but that's rather a hardware problem.

Glad we could Lestro.

I suppose that's about right for memory usage. Windows is designed to make the most out of your available memory by loading into memory what it currently needs and thinks it may need in the near future. As the old saying goes, "unused memory is wasted memory".

Thanks for the quick response.

I wish every forum was like this one, answers in less than an hour!

You're most welcome.

Hey once again,

I don't want to create another thread, just have one small question. Is it safe, or worth it to install 8.1? Or should I wait for the official release?
I'd love to have the Start button and I know it comes with new Windows version.

No problem Lestro.

At this point, I would just wait until October 18th to upgrade to Windows 8.1 through the Store so you do not lose anything.