Swopping SSD drive to another same model Lenovo

[MirageF1]

My old, trusty T420 i5 2520M with latest 21H2 Win 10 was bricked due to water damage sustained by a leak in roof I wasn't aware of


I know the 500GB SSD and 8GM ram is ok, as it booted up perfectly initially after letting it dry for a few days, but now refuses to start at all. Taken it in to a repair shop for assessment who were unable to fix it.

I've managed to locate the exact same model second hand T420, and wondered if it will boot up without issues if I put in my old SSD drive. Sources seem to indicate that it will. However, I'm not so sure and don't want to waste money buying it if it means i have to reinstall everything, as I've got a helluva lot of programs I've customized over the past 8 years, leaving aside data.

Has anyone done something similar?
Obviously cloning the SSD (I'll have to purchase a new 500GB SSD as well to do this) in case it's corrupted before I do the swop is definitely recommended, but I'm in a dilemma as to whether to take the chance at all.

Hoping someone here has any advice that's been in similar situation!

Thanks

 

[SYNERGY]

Will boot up with no issues. Especially if it's Win10 and above.

I do this quite a bit between different brands. The most you'll have to do is change the BIOS settings AHCI mode and select the boot device.

 

[Johnatan56]

Personally wouldn't do it, not worth it buying a device that is over a decade old by now, rather buy a new machine.

 

[MirageF1]

Personally wouldn't do it, not worth it buying a device that is over a decade old by now, rather buy a new machine.

I've optimized the OS thoroughly... sure it's old but it's a dual core i5 and with the SSD and 12GB RAM and everything I have on it I want a cost and time effective solution. The s/h laptop plus SSD will cost me under R3-4k.

Don't have money for a new laptop either.

 

[MirageF1]

Will boot up with no issues. Especially if it's Win10 and above.

I do this quite a bit between different brands. The most you'll have to do is change the BIOS settings AHCI mode and select the boot device.

And name of laptop, serial number linked to Windows, login account, BIOS version, etc?
Everything on the SSD is linked to old machine.

Do you mind if I contact you offline for some advice?

 

[SYNERGY]

And name of laptop, serial number linked to Windows, login account, BIOS version, etc?
Everything on the SSD is linked to old machine.

Do you mind if I contact you offline for some advice?

Sure, you can PM me.
The machine will boot up and download new drivers if it's a different device.
I recommend buying a new pc. Honestly, you're over thinking it.

Windows login etc will work.

 

[MirageF1]

Sure, you can PM me.
The machine will boot up and download new drivers if it's a different device.
I recommend buying a new pc. Honestly, you're over thinking it.

Windows login etc will work.

Thanks, will do, cannot afford buying a new laptop.