Need to replace SSD: two questions

[Daniel1962]

I have two drives in my HP laptop: 256gb SSD boot/OS drive, and 1tb HDD.

I found out that I need to replace my SSD drive (SK Hynix BC501, 256 GB) (or 256 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD as per specs)

• What is the best software/app/method to run a complete backup of my SSD drive?  As much as possible, I would like to avoid re-installing all apps, accounts, etc.
• And what type of SSD can I purchase as a replacement?  I'd like to go to a 512gb SSD.

Thanks very much for your help!

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

I recommend the free Macrium Reflect software which you can use to create a backup of the drive.

Macrium Software | Reflect Free Edition

You want the software on the left side of the page under the Backup at Home section.

When you install a larger capacity drive and try and restore an image from a smaller drive, in the case of installing a 500 GB NVMe SSD, you will have around 240 GB of unallocated space and it is not usually easy to merge your OS partition in the unallocated space because there are usually other partitions in the way.

Macrium should allow you to have all the space useable on the new drive.

Upgrading to a larger hard drive (macrium.com)

You can install any brand NVMe SSD you want.

I recommend either the Samsung 980 (not 980 Pro), or the Western Digital Blue SN570.

If you want a 512 GB SSD, you will have to find an OEM one like the one you have.

Commercial NVMe SSD's come in 250, 500 and 1 TB capacities, not 256, 512.

Below is the link to the service manual where you can find the SSD removal and replacement procedure.

Maintenance and Service Guide HP ENVY 17m Laptop PC

You can find some service videos at the link below...

HP Support - YouTube

[Daniel1962]

Thanks, I followed your advice for the software and recommended hardware.  I ordered the recommended SDD and will keep you posted when it arrives.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

[Daniel1962]

Spoiler

As an update, I ordered a Samsung SSD 980 1 TB, and use Macrium to clone my SSD.  I used an M.2 NVMe USB-C enclosure to clone the new drive.  It was very easy with Macrium to go from 250gb to 1tb. Cloning took about 25 min.

With my HP Envy model, it was very easy to reach the SSD: just had to remove the back cover and the SSD was right there.

Only hiccup: when I rebooted, Windows reported my D drive was locked and had to recover the key from my Outlook account.  It was easy to unlock with the key.

Thank you very much, Paul_Tikkanen, for your help!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.