Computer does not detect hard drive on startup

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  1. Posts : 29
    Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       #1

    Computer does not detect hard drive on startup


    I've suddenly been having this problem for the past week or so. Sometimes when I boot up my computer, my other internal hard drives (B and E) are not detected; only the C drive is. The disks don't appear in my computer, and the space doesn't appear to be available in disk partition (all of the files saved on those disks also cannot be accessed obviously).

    Usually the problem fixes itself after a few reboots, but it becomes really inconvenient to reboot like 3-5 times every time I want to restart my computer. Does anyone have a possible solution? Any help is appreciated, thanks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #2

    Completing this tutorial by Golden might tell other members some needed information.

    Disk Management - Post a Screen Capture Image
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 29
    Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #3

    This is what my disk management looks like when everything is functional. When I get the error, the B and E drives simply do not show up anywhere (there is no "empty" space to partition either, as if the drives just don't exist)
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Computer does not detect hard drive on startup-disk-management.png  
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #4

    Things I would do if I had this computer to fix.

    1. Swap the sata cables on the drives so Windows and Reserve were Drive (0)
    Then make sure the computer boots.

    2. Remove the drive letter from the Reserve Partition.

    3. Partiton (B) should not be Active

    Simple Example:

    Computer does not detect hard drive on startup-disc-management.jpg
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 29
    Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Layback Bear said:
    Things I would do if I had this computer to fix.

    1. Swap the sata cables on the drives so Windows and Reserve were Drive (0)
    Then make sure the computer boots.

    2. Remove the drive letter from the Reserve Partition.

    3. Partiton (B) should not be Active

    Simple Example:

    Computer does not detect hard drive on startup-disc-management.jpg
    Alright I just did four reboots and seem to have no problem with the hard drives so hopefully the problem is fixed (or I just got lucky). Going to mark this as solved, thank you Layback Bear for your help.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #6

    Your very welcome.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 29
    Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Alright I hate that I have to revive this thread, but the problem just came up again. My B and E drives randomly disappeared while I was on steam (Steam froze then crashed because it was saved on drive B). This happened randomly after around an hour or two of normal use.

    My hard drive model is a Seagate barracuda ST2000DM001 2TB if that helps.

    This is what my disk management looks like after the two drives have disappeared.

    Once again, any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Computer does not detect hard drive on startup-crash.png  
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #8

    First off, one drive has disappeared that had two partitions, (B & E),

    What is on B and E partitions.

    Can you see two drives in your bios?

    Check all connection to the hard drive.

    Make sure you reboot and see if things have changed.
      My Computer


  9. 4wd
    Posts : 337
    W7, W8.1
       #9

    "B"... is that really allowed\recommended to use for a fixed drive ?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #10

    Very good point 4wd. Thank you.

    Thinking back in my 3 brain cell restore points (B) is not a good idea but I don't remember why.

    Once we can see the drive I think replacing the letter (B) is a good idea.
      My Computer


 
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