XPS 27 one 2720 - replace 32GB mSATA for 250GB mSATA

Original Question: XPS 27 one 2720 - replace 32GB mSATA for 250GB mSATA by poNgz0r

Verified Answer: RE: XPS 27 one 2720 - replace 32GB mSATA for 250GB mSATA by poNgz0r

Oke! It's Thursday now and I am glad to inform that it works. I will write a quick guide how I did it, I will use some of Philips links for a longer description.

Download/ Setup BIOS

• Step 1: I bought the 250 Samsung mSATA drive (obviously)

• Step 2: I checked my Windows version (right mouse on windows icon > system)
• Step 3: I download RW-everything to "secure" my Windows 8 serial.
• Step 4: Run RW everything > Access > ACPI Tables > MSDN. You find your serial in front of data.

More info for step 2, 3 and 4 go to http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-microsoft-windows-and-office/download-microsoft-windows/download-windows-8-1-retail-and-oem-iso/

• Step 5: I downloaded Windows 8.1 install disc (took me like 2/ 3 hours for some reason) You can find it here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media
• Step 6: I created an .ISO file
• Step 7: I used Rufus to create a bootable USB (so i can install my windows on my new SSD) You can find rufus here: https://rufus.akeo.ie/
• Step 8: Reboot PC into BIOS and change SATA mode to AHCI (i spammed, DEL + F2 when the PC boots since i was to lazy to search for the right button)

• Step 9: Change boot to USB device (i forgot to take a picture, but you can find it easily in your BIOS)
• Step 10: Save and Quit (F10)

Take apart the PC to replace the mSATA 32GB with mSATA 250GB

• Step 1: Unscrew the back (screws at bottom, NOTE don't take the screws out of the hole)

• Step 2: Unscrew the stand (6 screws)

• Step 3: Unscrew the right part (the big metal plate, yes)
• Step 4: Locate the mSATA

• Step 5: Remove the mSATA (unscrew it)

• Step 6: Put the new mSATA back in place like this:

• Step 7: Give little pressure so you can attach the screws
• Step 8: Put everything back and power it
• Step 9: Install Windows via the USB bootable
• Step 10: Windows was activated automatically no serial input was needed

I hope this helps. Thanks to Philip for the most of the tutorials. The only part i didn't follow was the "remap the user directory". Because at the setup i "deleted the hard drives" and i only added the mSATA drive so Windows could only be installed on my mSATA.

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/hardware-upgrades-for-your-system/upgrading-to-a-solid-state-drive/solid-state-drive-and-hard-drive-configuration/

After Windows was installed i add the other drive via Computer > Right mouse > Manage > Storage > Disks > Right mouse on the 2TB drive and add new volume.


Let me know if you need help!