HDD Initialization Problem

[John 99]

A few threads on this but nothing seems to cover my problem. Briefly:

1. I'm using a so far trouble free home build, quad core, 8GB DDR2, desktop running W7 Pro 64 whos main function is editing photgraphic images. I have 4 WD internal HDDs (2x 150 GB, 1x25GB and 1x 1TB) and an external USB3 (via a card) linked 1TB WD External drive.
2. The System drive carries only the OS and Appl. software. All other files are on the 250GB drive which is running out of space. The remaining drives are used for back up, Photoshop scratch disk and archiving.
3. I have consequently bought and tried to install a 2.0TB WD Caviar Black (WD2002FAEX) to replace the 250GB.
4. On boot up, the system successfully installs the driver.
5. The drive is recognised in the BIOS set up, in "Disk Management" and the Device Manager confirms that it is functioning properly, ready for use and that I have the latest driver.
6. Despite all this the usual "needs to be initialised message" doesn't appear and right clicking the partition area for the disk in Disk Management doesn't offer an option to start the initialisation process (not for this drive or any drive for that matter).
7. I have tried de-installing and re-installing after a re-boot with the same result. I have also tried connecting the drive to another SATA port but to no effect.
8. If I reconnect the old drive, the system performs normally and so I don't think that there is a motherboard or connection problem.

I have reached the point of believing that it is the drive that is at fault but before I make the journey back to the supplier, I wondered whether I was missing something. Can anyone help please?

 

[DocBrown]

Welcome John 99

Can you post a full size screen snip of your Disk Management of your HD's ?

 

[John 99]

Thanks for the quick response Doc. Do you want it as it appears with the new drive connected or just as is? Need to reconnect the new drive if its the former (a lot of grovelling on the floor).

 

[DocBrown]

I guess, both ways would even be better.

 

[whs]

Do not right click on the partition area in Disk Management but in front of that where it says Disk0, Disk1, etc.

 

[John 99]

Will do Doc. WHS thanks for the suggestion but I have clicked every possible location. I will try again once I have the new drive re-connected.

 

[John 99]

These two screen shots are both taken with the new disk connected but the second shot is identical to that with the old drive except that the old drive appears as Drive "D" including the drop down menu. If you need it I will re-connect the old disk and give you another screen shot.

WHS, I have tried clicking every where once more. The location you suggest gives a different drop down menu but there is no option to inialise the disk.

 

[DocBrown]

Looks like you just need to click on New Simple Volume & follow the steps.

 

[John 99]

Problem solved Doc. I've always come up against the initialisation request before and I was a bit cautious about trying some other option, not really knowing the implications. So you've not only provided the solution but you have added to my meagre knowledge. Thank you so very much.

 

[DocBrown]

Your Welcome John

Check out the tutorials section, there is guggaplex of info there