Resolved Hard Drive Issues

Hello--I'm having issues with my "D" Hard Drive missing from my computer. The hard drive is NTFS 80 gig. I'm using only 6 gig out of the drive itself. I'm running Samsung Desktop P-4 512 MB of Ram. The computer is 6 years old. Just tonight is when this has started to act like this. I look into the computer and no D drive. The next time I look its there. I'm not to sure why this would be doing this after running so good. By chance would anyone have any ideas on this subject.
I must add I scan for spyware & virues all the time but the machine comes up with 0 defects. Spybot, Malwarebytes, Avast.
Thank you

 

Hi, gwiner.

First, perhaps you simply need to shut down and then start the computer. Windows sometimes seems to act oddly at times and a simple restart cures the problem.

If that doesn't work, then...

While the computer's power is OFF...

1. I suggest you make sure the the hard drive's power cable and data cable are firmly plugged in at both ends of the cable (especially if you have had the case open recently).

2. If that does not cure the problem, then perhaps you need to replace one of those cables. Even though they may look OK, a wire inside may be broken (especially if you have had the case open recently).

Just bumping a cable while installing a CD drive or other hardware can be enough to cause either of the potential problems I noted above.

Please let us know.

 

Hi Mailman--I received your suggestion thank you. I was inside the case just the other day to see what kind of memory card was installed. I had talk to the critical representative to upgrade my RAM not knowing maybe I messed up something while I was in there. Possibly moving those wires around inside to access the two RAM sticks that I already have in there I might of loosen or even broke the wire. I'll take the cover off again to make sure all is tight etc. I'll take your suggestion and just see how it goes these next couple of day then return a reply to keep you informed.
Thanks for your quick responds.
Garry

 

You're very welcome, Garry.

I was thinking about this as I was falling asleep last night.

If, after checking to be sure cables are firmly connected, you still are "missing" the D:\ drive, then...

1st TEST:
If you do not have a spare power cable for your suspected hard drive, then swap power cable connections to the hard drives while computer power is OFF.

• If you cannot boot up your computer after swapping the power cable connections, then I would conclude the suspected power cable is defective.

• If you CAN still boot the computer and your D:\ drive is still "missing ", then I would conclude EITHER your suspected hard drive is defective OR the data cable to your D:\ drive is defective. Proceed to "2nd Test" below.

2nd Test:
If you do not have a spare data cable for your 2nd hard drive and both of your hard drives use the same type of cable, then you might simply swap the data cables (at both ends of the cable) while computer is OFF so your suspected data cable is connected to the primary C:\ drive (and corresponding motherboard socket) and your known good cable is connected to your D:\ drive (and corresponding motherboard socket). Be sure you do not plug in the data cables backwards.

• If you cannot boot up your computer after swapping the data cables, then I would conclude the data cable is defective.

• If you CAN still boot the computer and your D:\ drive is still "missing ", then I would conclude your suspected hard drive is probably defective (unless there is a "glitch" in your operating system software).

If you determine your hard drive is defective, then please tell us the hard drive brand name (manufacturer) and model number (printed on the hard drive). Then we might be able to suggest further free tests to consider before considering more expensive options.
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By the way, there is the possibility that handling the cables might make another wire in the cables go bad. That would complicate your troubleshooting efforts.

Therefore, handle the cables with care.

 

Mailman--Brother that was quick -- for the time I spend taking the cover off and re-checking the cable harness to my hard drive it seem to me all was in tack but won't really know until I go back into the computer and checking to see if the "D" drive the one in question is still listed on my computer page. I just done that and they were both in conjunction to the "D" & "C" drive like they are suppose to be. I'll keep a eye on this and see if I will need to take further steps as you had suggested. But if nothing happens in the next day or so I will give you a heads up. Either way I'll keep you abreast of this issue. As long as the hard drive is listed I will not touch anything. Maybe after touching the harness etc. it'll be OK. I'm going to keep positive for now.
Thanks again
Garry

 

That's good news! Thanks for your update.

I crossed my fingers for you. Good luck!

 

Mailman--Well its been two days since the disappearance of my "D" drive started to be missing. Now that it had returned I feel confidence that its back for good "Thank Goodness ". Mailman just wanted to touch base with you and to say thanks for your assistance in this matter. Now when I receive the upgrade on my RAM from critical which should be here in a day or so I will certainly be extra carefully not to disturb the harness wiring and etc.
Garry

 

Super! You're very welcome, Garry.

I do not think you need to be extremely delicate about disturbing the harness wiring and such. People swap out hard drives, CD drives, etc. all the time (while handling the cables/wire harnesses inside the case) usually with no issues.

The possibility of a loose connection or broken wire is just something to keep in mind if the computer does not behave properly immediately after having the case open.

Cables for inside the case are often fairly inexpensive so it may be a good idea to acquire spares for a drawer if you regularly upgrade components inside your computer's case. If you take time to get to know your local computer parts/repair store personnel, then you might be able to get some of those cables (such as "Y" power cables, SATA drive cables, etc.) and other miscellaneous hardware for free later on.

Anyway, THANK YOU for following up and marking the thread as "Resolved "! Hopefully someone else with a similar problem will discover this thread and have an easy fix.

Good luck!