G55 - Windows 8 - Installing new SSD - Assistance Please

[Mace03]

Hello,

I'm sure these questions has been asked\answered hundreds of times already but at the moment I only have access to the web at work and they frown upon us surfing around so I apologize for the redundant post.

I just bought a G55 with Windows 8 for the OS. I'm planning on installing a 240GB SSD drive but I was advised that there is no OS install CD that comes with the laptop. How can I install Windows 8 that came with the laptop on the new SSD that I'm installing? I don't have access to any other computer at this time (old one died and attempts to revive has failed hence the new G55). Would I just make a system recovery CD, install the SSD and then install the OS like normal? Will the system recovery CD that I burn even install the OS on the SSD?

Any help that you can give me is much appreciated.

[Apexing]

Get some sort of program that can "migrate os to SSD" you can either google it, or download paragon migrate os to ssd <- Ive tried that one and it works, it can either migrate all data from the old HD to SSD, or only migrate only windows to SSD. after that you can format your old HD.
or you can find a place down download the proper windows 8 version you have and then put it on a disc or USB.
you legally have a cd-key so its not pirating when you simply download the disc.

I have no experience with the recovery tool so I cant say if you can use that or not.

[Mace03]

I don't have a spare computer to clone the OS from the HDD to the SSD so that option is out unfortunitly.

[Apexing]

you dont need a 2nd computer.
you boot the laptop like normal after putting in the ssd, then you start the program.

[rewben]

@Apexing, here states that it's incompatible with windows 8.

[Mace03]

I only have the G55 so there is only 1 HDD spot so I couldn't have the stock HDD and the SSD installed at the same time.

[rewben]

yes, Mace03 i am aware of that. the only option is to create a set of recovery dvds and use them in situations like this. do you have the option to create that?

edit: in case you wanna save your product key, see here for the steps (look for 'Where can I find information on my Windows 8 product key?').

[Mace03]

I'm currently at work and not at the laptop. When I get home I will see if I can make some recovery DVDs for Windows 8. Just install the new SSD, boot from the DVD and install like a normal OS install?

[Apexing]

oohhh did not know it only had one drivebay.
My mistake, and I only used the migrate for windows 7, so thats also my mistake.
-
you could try and call the microsoft branch in your country, hear if they can ship you a disc. they may ofc charge a fee for it.

[rewben]

from what i have read, the route to restore stock windows for windows 8 is somewhat complicated than i thought 😕

1. we have users reported that Ai Recovery is missing for win8 models (phased out);
2. system image created from windows 8 can only restore into disks with the same or large sizes (not smaller, unfortunately).

edit: and i'm not sure if plain cloning is useful; windows 8's secure boot feature might need to be disabled first.

the last resort would be getting a windows 8 install disk and do a fresh install and grab the drivers from ASUS's download page.