Solved Windows 7 (and BIOS) don't detect new hard drive

[hellodanilo]

Hello everyone. Not sure if this belongs here or in the hardware forum, but here goes.

The hard drive in my Dell XPS 1640 laptop failed, and so i bought a new one and was planning to do a fresh install of Windows 7. What I thought was, I'd take out the old hard drive, put in the new one, and install Windows 7 off a USB stick.

Removing the old and installing the new went as expected, but when trying to install Windows, no drives were found. I went back into the BIOS and saw that the new drive isn't being detected. Was there another step I needed to take? I assumed I just install the new hard drive just the way the old one was installed, same screws, same connector, etc., and it would work. Apparently I was wrong. Can anyone help? It must be something very basic and obvious that I'm doing wrong.

Thanks.

 

[kegobeer]

What make/model drive came out, and what make/model drive went in?

 

[hellodanilo]

Ah, yes, that does seem relevant. OK, what came out was a Seagate Momentus 7200.4 500GB. What went in was a Western Digital Scorpio Black 750 GB.

 

[gregrocker]

Try reinstalling the HD until it registers in BIOS. The contacts may need cleaning of dust or not be fully engaged.

 

[hellodanilo]

Yes, thanks. There was a little connector I hadn't pushed all the way in. Now it's working. Thank you!

 

[gregrocker]

Good news. Follow these steps to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7