Windows not recognising ssd when moved to optical drive caddy

boash · 04 Apr 2016

I wish to move my ssd with Win 7 installed to an internal caddy fitted in an optical drive space.
I am using the same data cable, and the bay is powered.
On bootup Windows is not recognising the drive.
I tried using my installation disc to reinstall in the new location, but again the drive is not recognised.
Take it out of the caddy and it works fine.
Partition Magic recognises the drive when in the caddy.
ssd is Samsung evo 850
Any suggestions appreciated
My Win7 is an upgrade version from XP so I beleive I can't use Sysprep.

RogerR · 05 Apr 2016

Have you read this thread?

System won't boot from SSD, please help.

boash · 05 Apr 2016

Thank you RogerR I read the post you suggested. Disconnected data hdd.
Checked the Disk Mgt. The SSD is the boot drive and active.
BIOS HDD boot priority shows it. 1st boot - HDD selected (SSD not shown separately) Boots ok.
Move SSD to caddy use same cable Partition Magic recognises the drive when in the caddy
BIOS when in the caddy SSD not recognised.
Using Windows instalation disc - SSD not recognised
Obviously I'm missing something - simple ?

AddRAM · 05 Apr 2016

Why do you want it in a caddy, what`s wrong with where it is ??????????????

You`re not missing anything, it`s not seen because there are no drivers installed to see it.

Put the ssd where it belongs, in the computer, directly connected to the motherboard.

Is it a hot swap caddy ?????

Thrashzone could lend some help here.

ThrashZone · 05 Apr 2016

Hi and welcome to SevenForums,
Can you link use to the exact product you have ?
I have this one it works very well
Amazon.com: Vantec 2.5-Inch Dual Bay Trayless SATA III - 6G Mobile Rack (MRK-225S6-BK): Computers & Accessories

boash · 05 Apr 2016

Thanks again AddRam & ThrashZone,
My caddy is THERMALTAKE MAX 5 DUO Sata HDD Rack SATA 2.5/3.5inch ST0026Z. My understanding is it is hot swap.
My reason to use the caddy is I want to try a Linux distro in the 3.5 drive entirely separated from my Windows.
Any 3.5 HDD in the caddy is recognised by Windows & the BIOS. ssd is Samsung evo 850.
The sdd works ok directly on the motherboard without any driver problem. What driver would I be looking for ?
I am puzzled why Partition Magic can read the ssd in the caddy, but BIOS can't.

ThrashZone · 06 Apr 2016

Hi,
Could be a defect ?
Otherwise good reviews :/
Thermaltake ST0026Z Max 5 Duo SATA HDD Rack - Newegg.com

Cons: We had issues from the start with one of the bay not working, any drives placed in it was not detected. The power connector assembly for the 3.5 drive is very bladly designed, the cable is very tight, this tend to apply undue pressure to the connector and the tip of the connector stick out from the back, which makes it very easy to break. The latch mechanism is not efficient for the 3.5 drive, hard to close the door. When the unit was installed in our main (different) production machine, Windows 7 started crashing and would not boot until we removed the unit from it.

Few other issues on Amazon where did you get it exactly ?
Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Thermaltake Max 5 Duo Storage Bay Adapter - Internal ST0026Z

boash · 06 Apr 2016

I bought the caddy from Gamedudecomputers who I suspect are supplied by the Australian distributor.
The power light flashes so its trying to do something.
Probably have to see if I can return it.
Thanks again.

boash · 10 Apr 2016

Happy man ! Solution found.
When I connected the 2.5 bay I used the same data cable and outlet that was working fine, but because the power cable was too short I used another outlet to provide power.
I unplugged the hdd so I could move and use the same power outlet also, and bingo everything works.
Thanks again for your suggestions.