Solved 2.5 Days and still win 7 does not see second drive.

[snap]

I hope this is the right section?

Gentlemen, I have been trying for the last couple of days or so to try and get my pc to recognise my second hard disk, (it was labeled 'Back up'), to no avail, it did have an old original backup I did when I first had the pc on one partition, and on the second just photos and a few programs. I removed the backup and all the photo's and programs. I wanted to use the whole disk for a backup so I could try Windows 8. I have tried a few programs to help me. I am not an expert but can find my way round a pc. The programs tried:-
Paragon Partition, Paragon Backup, ZAR 8.9 Zero Assumption Recovery and Seagate Disk Wizard. I have even tried Diskpart, from an elevated DOS. I am beginning to think that the disk is 'Dead', Gone to meet its maker. The disk shows in 'at start-up in POST, Computer and in Device Manager and in Computer Management. In computer management there is no 'Initialize' when I right click the disk. All the blogs and help forums say 'Right click' and then 'Initialize' but I haven't got 'Initialize'

Should I reload win 7 and try all over again or in your expert opinions is it the hard disk??

If the disk is kaput would it still 'Format', Simple Volume, stripe etc, in 'Disk Management?'


Any/all suggestions appreciated,

 

[Victor S]

If possible, plug in a known good HD where the problematic one now is.
See if that exhibits the same problem.
You didn't mention if you've changed HD cables, position on controller, etc.
This probably should be in the "Hardware" section.

 

[snap]

Thank you Victor S for getting back to me. Yes I have tried a new cable and a different port, no go. btw, In disk management the disk with the OS on it is showing 'UNKNOWN' under Device Type, and this is a SATAIII 6Gb/s WD. I think the OS is possibly all mixed up? Perhaps I did something when I uninstalled the spare disk. Yes I will get another disk and see how that installs. Any idea why I cannot see 'Initialize'. I will now dissconnect the spare disk start the pc, and then switch off. Re-connect the disk and see if windows 7 see's it I will get back to you.

Thank you again,

 

[Golden]

Snap,

Please post a screen capture image of your Disk Management screen so we can examine the disks and partitions.

Regards,
Golden

 

[snap]

I hope you get the screen shot??





As can be seen I have installed a brand new 1Tb HD and that will not cannot be used as a backup. Disk Manager asked me to Initialize MBR tapped OK and this is what I am left with. Looks like I need not have spent £80. The Mrs, will be pleased. Getting to think now of either a Restore or a complete re-install. Await your expertise. Sorry about the rubish in the backround. This has been a first for me.

Thank you so far.

 

[snap]

Update.

I have installed Windows 7 64Bit on the new hard disk. Will let you know how things go when I reconnect the original HD and try F8 boot sequence.

 

[snap]

Well, adding the new drive and using F8 BBS Popup works when I select new HD. In win 64, the original and new HD's show as IDE. I think I have found my problem. Whilst going through screen shots I have come accross, as below.



I cannot remember seeing this but, like a twit I installed the software and it must have been when all my problems started. Could this have caused my problems? Now all I have to do is uninstall and restore from the last good Image. Try and save important emails, contacts, photo's, favourites etc. Hope this is the problem, and I will let you know after the restore. Whilst in the original drive both HD's show as 'UNKNOWN' in disk management.

 

[snap]

Yet another update. I have had to re-install windows 32bit on c:\ and it has finally got rid of the "Unkown" disks in disk manager. All I have to now is get back, from windows.old some software. Obviously not Photoshop! If all goes well I will 'Mark as Solved' and thank you again gentlemen for your time. btw; I tried to update my Product ID, on the phone, (I couldn't understand the person the other end) so I tried through Microsoft Fix It, it kept telling me my product id was invalid. I will try again now I have re-installed.

 

[Golden]

In order to completely troubleshoot Windows validation & activation issues, please perform the following:

1. Download and save this tool to your desktop:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012

2. Run the tool, and then click 'Copy' - ignore any errors if they appear

3. Use CTRL+V to paste the unedited results of the validation tool here in your next reply

More info : http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-...ne-activation-issue-posting-instructions.html

Regards,
Golden

 

[snap]

Thank you Golden. Below are my results;

                                                                         Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->
Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: N/A, hr = 0xc004f012
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-H8Q49-926RT-24KWJ
Windows Product Key Hash: aJlURiE2n1/tfBdi7fej+sMTdYE=
Windows Product ID: 00371-177-1348775-85628
Windows Product ID Type: 5
Windows License Type: Retail
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010100.1.0.048
ID: {37BBED1C-D2C1-43F8-8289-BDCAACE1E4F6}(3)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Professional
Architecture: 0x00000000
Build lab: 7601.win7sp1_gdr.120830-0333
TTS Error: 
Validation Diagnostic: 
Resolution Status: N/A
Vista WgaER Data-->
ThreatID(s): N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Windows XP Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
File Exists: No
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaTray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaLogon.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAExec.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAAddin.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGA Data-->
Office Status: 109 N/A
OGA Version: N/A, 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Office Diagnostics: 025D1FF3-364-80041010_025D1FF3-229-80041010_025D1FF3-230-1_025D1FF3-517-80040154_025D1FF3-237-80040154_025D1FF3-238-2_025D1FF3-244-80070002_025D1FF3-258-3
Browser Data-->
Proxy settings: N/A
User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Win32)
Default Browser: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disabled
Active scripting: Allowed
Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed
File Scan Data-->
Other data-->
Office Details: <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{37BBED1C-D2C1-43F8-8289-BDCAACE1E4F6}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0027.0</Version><OS>6.1.7601.2.00010100.1.0.048</OS><Architecture>x32</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-24KWJ</PKey><PID>00371-177-1348775-85628</PID><PIDType>5</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-540194449-2954675888-3723478072</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>System manufacturer</Manufacturer><Model>System Product Name</Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>American Megatrends Inc.</Manufacturer><Version>0303   </Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="5"/><Date>20100525000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>5A5C3407018400FE</HWID><UserLCID>0809</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>Pacific Standard Time(GMT-08:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM/><GANotification/></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>109</Result><Products/><Applications/></Office></Software></GenuineResults>  
Spsys.log Content: 0x80070002
Licensing Data-->
Software licensing service version: 6.1.7601.17514
Name: Windows(R) 7, Professional edition
Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, RETAIL channel
Activation ID: e838d943-63ed-4a0b-9fb1-47152908acc9
Application ID: 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f
Extended PID: 00371-00170-177-134877-00-1033-7601.0000-3062012
Installation ID: 021556913252564022856580712282488376865796092743576592
Processor Certificate URL: [URL]http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88338[/URL]
Machine Certificate URL: [URL]http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88339[/URL]
Use License URL: [URL]http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88341[/URL]
Product Key Certificate URL: [URL]http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88340[/URL]
Partial Product Key: 24KWJ
License Status: Licensed
Remaining Windows rearm count: 4
Trusted time: 02/11/2012 09:19:03
Windows Activation Technologies-->
HrOffline: 0x00000000
HrOnline: N/A
HealthStatus: 0x0000000000000000
Event Time Stamp: N/A
ActiveX: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
Admin Service: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
HealthStatus Bitmask Output:

HWID Data-->
HWID Hash Current: MgAAAAIAAgABAAEAAQACAAAAAQABAAEAeqiOWKyg1MOqfxiwLhVaa+54FAimTp5e+iM=
OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
N/A
OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
BIOS valid for OA 2.0: yes, but no SLIC table
Windows marker version: N/A
OEMID and OEMTableID Consistent: N/A
BIOS Information: 
  ACPI Table Name OEMID Value OEMTableID Value
  FACP   052510  FACP1439
  HPET   052510  OEMHPET 
  MCFG   052510  OEMMCFG 
  OEMB   052510  OEMB1439
  ASPT   052510  PerfTune
  OSFR   052510  OEMOSFR

This is getting really technical Still cannot use the new HD as backup, no size registered in Backup/Control Panel. About to do Diskpart on the new disk.

"I'll be back"

 

[snap]

Sorry about the size of my last post. Well! I looked into Disk Manager first, and low and behold 2 disks Device Type 'UNKNOWN' Well thats me beaten. There is someone out there that doesn't like me I am hoping that Golden/anybody can glean something from the info I have left. Please, please all I want to be able to do is backup. btw; the same thing happens whenever I try, "Backup Failed".

 

[Victor S]

Check out this:
Troubleshooting Disk Management

 

[snap]

I have just been re-researching the web, ie VSS, and have found this article:

How can I fix shadow copy problems in Windows Backup?

Could this be my answer???

 

[snap]

Thank you Victor S for link. I am at present :shock: backing up. I tried what Bare Foot Kid wrote back in June 2010, Partition Wizard : Use the Bootable CD. It did not work for me, I must have done something wrong, the extended size looked massive so I came of the program and re-booted into windows. I will have a look at Disk Manager and see if "The UNKNOWNS" are still there. As long as I can Backup I am a very happy bunny.

I am really glad I found The Windows 7 Forum, it has saved me a lot of surfing. Your collective knowledge has been invaluable to me.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I will post whatever the outcome is with the UNKNOWN.

 

[snap]

Good Morning, it is here, 05:52, no rain yet. Backup all finished Checked Disk Manager but both disks are still showing unknown. I think this could be the BIOS? When going through bios setup, to load that CD, there is a provision: 'Asus Express Gate'. Reading the motherboard manual, "Asus Express gate does not support SATA 6Gb/s devices. Please visit ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- for future Express Gate updates. I will check both BIOS and Asus out. As far as backing up is concerned everything is as it should be.

Should I now mark this as Solved?

 

[snap]

Hello again,

Update: Finished backup no problems and I have finally got Product ID reactivated. Apparently something to with changing/renewing disks and re-installing Windows 7. I was always led to believe that unless the motherboard or memory was updated/renewed windows would last a life time . From the UK we have to go all the way to India, and they are hard to understand. Why can't we be put through to the US or Ireland?? anyway thats one out of 3 cured. The other is the dreaded "Unknown Disk Type". Gentlemen is there a way, from an elevated DOS position that this can be changed? Any/all help appreciated. The last item is The 320Gb HD that was the original offender, now wiped clean and formatted has or I have lost the * MBR *. Ihave looked through this Forum for some written advice and either missed it, under a different heading, or didn't see it. One out of three but happy that the PC is feeling better .

Thanks again guys for all your input.

btw; Golden, what was the outcome of my MGADiag ?

* I have found by 'Brink' How to Convert GPT Disk to a MBR Disk. *

 

[snap]

I think this will be the last update. Computer running fine now, and have installed the trial copy of Windows 8, on the original 320Gb hard disk. Do not like Windows 8, too much moving around with the mouse pointer. I can see the logic if one had a touch screen, but not unless. I have removed Windows 8 as suggested by 'theog' and still all is fine. Only 1, one item to go, 'Disk Type Unknown'. From somewhere/somebody, "If it ain't Broke, Don't Fix-it"

 

[snap]

Downloaded and installed ICH 10R, and now one of the 'unkown' is an IDE, the 320Gb. The 2 1Tb 6Gb/s are still unknown. Ah wel nearly there! Also installed a BIOS upgrade, from 0303 to 0803. That did not make any difference cosidering it was an 'Update Intel (R0 Rapid Storage Technology Driver to v10.5.0.1026 to support full HDD capacity. The 'Unknown's ' do not cause any problems, I don't think so anyway, as long as the 6Gb/s is being used. Might update from an Asus P6X58D-E + Intel i7-950, overclocked, to an Asus Maximus VGene + Intel i5-3570.

Thanks again for the all the help.

 

[Victor S]

There was a line in "American Vacation" where Randy Quaid is cooking up "hamburgers," and said something like, "This Hamburger Helper don't need no help at all."
Seems like you did all the work too. Glad you got most of it ironed out, and thanks for the updates.

 

[snap]

Victor S, please don't get me wrong. I did need help, guiding me to the root of my problems. The pc takes a while to boot into windows, so I am nearly there. Had a couple of black screens, seems that the new software could be argueing with the old. Did updates from within Device manager but something is awry. I am going to check out the Win 7 Forum for some guidence. I am glad I joined you guys for assistance. Please if I make a boo-boo with spelling or character spacing, bare with me.