Replace paving slabs

[SJNH]

I need to replace the 45x45cm paving slabs in the path leading upto the front door. The slabs are broken/chipped in places but they are set well - flat, steady, no movement - so I really want to be able to drop in replacements. Who knows what is under the slabs (but I bet it's not perfectly/correct as it was done when the houses were first built 16 yrs ago) but the ground is steady. So, is there a simple way to reseat the new slabs, rather than having to dig out the existing earth and refill? Can I use a thin bed o mortar or dry cement layer?

 

[^woody^]

Yes, you take up the old slabs and lay the new slabs on a layer of sand or blobs of mortar