[Ferra]

I have a thinkpad x201 and I want to replace its 2.5" HD with SSD.

The laptop doesn't come with any recovery disk, but I do see the option to "create" a factory pre-set recovery disk in window.

The laptop doesn't have an optical drive, but I can hook up an external DVD drive via usb to create the recovery disk.

However, how do I boot of the recovery disk if I have no optical drive? (I don't think you can boot off an optical drive connected via usb....or can you?)

[InvisibleSoul]

(I don't think you can boot off an optical drive connected via usb....or can you?)
Yes, you can... unless maybe if the machine is from the 90's.

[!MiKrofT]

Yes. You can boot off USB optical. Although I went the more efficient route and booted off USB flash drive.

It was fine on my X201 and if I recall there was a way create recovery media onto USB.

[ddr]

Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

might be more for a clean install tho

[FerrariEnzo]

use the windows 7 to USB tool from MS website... you can put it onto the flash drive and install windows.. Provided you are able to boot from USB..