My PC doesn't see the new hard drive

[jlumbtx]

I plan to install a new HDD. I want to clone the old one onto the new. I have the necessary wires connected (done this before) but when I go to Start>Computer> I see the existing C disk displayed but not the new one. I disconnect the new one and attach an older drive I use for backup. It shows up immediately.
I disconnect it and reconnect the new one- nothing!

But, when I have the new one connected and I open WD Data Lifeguard Diagnostic, it sees and will run a test on the new HDD. I tried Hard Disk Sentinel and it sees the new HDD. But Win7 won't recognize it.

Is there something I need to do to activate the new HDD so I can begin cloning?
John

 

[Golden]

Is the new drive formatted? Try formatting it first before cloning.

 

[Petey7]

Have you check to see if it appears in Disk Management? Your computer may not be assigning it a drive letter.

 

[jlumbtx]

I can't format it if the computer doesn't see it.

 

[Petey7]

Have you looked in disk management yet? If it isn't formatted, it will show in disk management but it won't be assigned a drive letter. Sometimes even it is formatted it won't be assigned one for some reason.

 

[jlumbtx]

I did find it in Device Manager and was successful in formatting/cloning. It seems to be working OK.
Thanlks

 

[billberry12]

I have the same problem. How can you format form Device Manager?

 

[essenbe]

You can't, you need to use disk management. In the lower half of the screen, right click the drive and select new simple partition and follow the prompts. To get to disk management, right click computer, select manage, and select disk management from the left column.

 

[patio]

A new HDD can also be prepped and formatted fronm the bootable WD CD....or Seagate...or any other HDD manuf. diagnostics CD...