In the process of preparing a new SSD for use as main C drive. Currently connected via SATA to USB cable preparatory to transfering the system using Samsung software. Windows doesn't "see" the drive but Speccy reports it correctly. Can I do anything to force Windows to see it?
Yes. Temporarily attach the SSD directly to a SATA port on the motherboard and prepare the drive. Then move it to the USB connection and it should work fine after that.
Some motherboard/USB/drive combinations will not recognize a drive on a USB connection if it hasn't already been partitioned and formatted. I've had it happen with external enclosures and standard PC drives. They must be initialized when attached directly to the motherboard.
I have to admit that I can't understand why this is.
Thanks; swift reply appreciated. Until I open up I don't know if there's a spare slot - may have temporarily to unplug my D: backup drive to allow this. Maybe Windows just doesn't like more than 2 hard drives - though it happily accepts other external USB hard drives. I'll do a complete set of backups before I try re-wiring - I'm a bit paranoid about backups! Thanks again and I'll try that.
Windows can handle as many drives as your motherboard will hold. :)
Backups are a good idea all the time. You shouldn't have any trouble partitioning and formatting the drive inside the case, and I'm pretty sure it will then work in the USB enclosure. I've done this a few times myself.
Good luck, and post back how it went.
Why do you want to have a SSD on an external case?
You should install the SSD on a SATA connector, clone the HDD to the SSD and use the HDD for data.
Thanks Megahertz07
I didn't want an external SSD - I was simply looking for the quickest way to clone the original drive before many connections and disconnections. One thing at a time!
I've done it now - the eventual answer was that Windows can't recognise the SSD until Samsung has done its cloning. Now I've done that, it's all up and running.
Thank you and Mellon Head for your time and the advice, and I'll now close this query.
I'm new to this site, so excuse me if I get this wrong. The issue was fixed by using the Samsung software that came with the SSD. Thought I'd closed this issue but your response came after that. How can you format a drive that Windows doesn't see? It needs a drive letter to begin with, and if the drive isn't shown how can it be formatted?
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