T420 won't boot with new Samsung 840 Pro SSD

Hi all
I seem to have a failed brand new SSD. Before I RMA it, please help me spot my stupid mistake
I've just used Samsung data migration to copy my C drive to a Samsung 840 Pro 128GB SSD as usual.
I went into device driver, and set the SSD to cache writes, so the SSD was working then.
I removed the 320GB SSD, installed the SSD and rebooted.
After the BIOS flash screen, the system halts with a funny symbol on the screen and a flashing cursor.
It responds to Ctrl Alt Del. but doesn't get as far as testing the DVD drive.
After replacing the SSD with the HDD and rebooting, all is fine again ...
The BIOS shows AHCI mode, and the SSD and contents (in a USB3 drive caddy) are visible and readable.
I can't use Samsung SSD magician because it won't see the SSD over USB (clever!), so can't work out how to upgrade firmware.
This is an i5, 8GB, 320GB machine with 1600x900 screen, with XP Pro 64-bit.
What gives?? Others here have posted with working 840 Pros in a T420, so I think it's compatible.
Could this be a SATA2/SATA3 thing or AHCI? I can't see any SATA2/3 control in the BIOS - does it just auto-negotiate?
Most grateful for any suggestions and thanks in advance
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Hi woothoot,
I'm not familiar with the Samsung data migration tool. Is it actually cloning the drive, or just copying files and settings?
With ThinkPads, it is usually recommended to have the target drive installed in the laptop and the source on the external connection. Doing it the other way sometimes results in a non-booting drive.
Can you rearrange things so that you do the clone op with the SSD installed in the T420?
Z.
The large print: please read the Community Participation Rules before posting. Include as much information as possible: model, machine type, operating system, and a descriptive subject line. Do not include personal information: serial number, telephone number, email address, etc. The fine print: I do not work for, nor do I speak for Lenovo. Unsolicited private messages will be ignored. ... GeezBlog
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This question was solved.
View Solution.

ADR1978 wrote:
OK thanks. This card doesnt require a six pin connector but it is interesting that your comment implies that those that do still take power from the motherboard but topped up with the six pin connector. As opposed to taking all power from the six pin connector and nothing from the motherboard. I am not making a statement that equates to your analogy. All cards plugged into a motherboard I/O internal slot are powered by the motherboards power distribution subsystem.
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