replace hard drive with ssd

[Stevemail]

It is slow and has installed and deleted software reminates accumulated over the years, various driveby downloaded junk as well. I'd like to replace the hdd with a ssd. I'll have to reinstall Windows and all the software for a start clean installation. Do i have to have the d partion if i have a Win 10 disc with key. Are there drivers in the recovery partition i need to operate the laptop?

Second which ssd should i get for the change, EVO 850? 

Thanks

[iomare]

HI,

The Samsung 850 evo, pro have  been voted the best hard drives prize/performance by international PC magazines.

If you have the Windows 10 disk you can use it to install the OS on the SSD, you will not even need the product key if windows 10 has already been installed previously on the PC as it will (the same edition) be automatically activated once installed and connected to internet (just click on do not have product key when prompted). You can also insert your product key.

You can also download the media creation tool from Microsoft and by running this tool download  original copy of windows 10 iso or create a bootable USB pendrivefrom Microsoft. 

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Personally I like to perform a clean install (custom install) without recovery drive and get all the most recent drivers from HP site or if necessary from the manufacturer of the device.

Here is where you can get drivers for windows 10 for your PC:

http://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-envy-touchsmart-17-j100-quad-edition-notebook-pc-...

Let me know if you need further help,

David

[Kalt · Accepted solution]

An SSD will make it so much faster!

You can do this two ways.  Buy an external HDD dock and plug the SSD into it, then use a disk cloning tool such as Acronis (free with most Samsung SSDs) to copy your entire system over.

The other way is to just replace the hard disk and then use the HP Recovery Media kit to reinstall everything from scratch.

[Stevemail]

Thank you for your comments and links for drivers. Will give the 850 a try.