Sep 23, 2024 • Filed to: Answer Hard Drive Problems • Proven solutions
We know that the CPU is the brain of a computer. However, not everyone knows that while the CPU is the brain of functioning a computer, the hard disk is the body of it. The mind can't be useful without the body, and this is what this article deals with. What if your internal hard disk is not detected? Some of you might simply restart the system, while some would care to reinstall the software. Here, we take a look at the factors that are behind the scene where the hard disk is not detected and how to solve this issue.
Generally, an ATA or SATA port is set to auto-detect. If one finds that their hard disk is not detected by the system BIOS, the following steps (not in any particular order), can be used to isolate the issue.
To access the BIOS of your system, you should be aware of the settings of your device. Different systems have different methods of accessing the BIOS. Every system displays a brief message about entering the system setup soon after the power has been turned on. System Setup is often called the" System BIOS" or "CMOS Setup".
If the hard disk is not detected, it could be because it is turned off in the system setup. There are mother manufacturers that tend to disable the unused ports in the BIOS by default. One has to enter the BIOS to verify their current status.
If a second hard disk is not detected after being connected, it could require to be enabled by turning it ON in the BIOS.
The latest versions of Windows come with greater processing speed, and therefore pressing a key on boot cannot prove to be helpful. Therefore, you can't enter BIOS; we recommend you follow the given steps to access the BIOS if the hard disk is not detected.
There is a chance that the cables within the motherboard have become faulty. Therefore your hard disk is not detected. You can start by inspecting the motherboard and hard disk connections for misaligned or bent pins. Please note that the folding, crimping, pinching, or creasing data cables are often responsible for the wires breaking inside the insulation. However, in the same scenario, the exterior of the cable would appear normal. If you are unsure about the condition of your data cable, we recommend that you replace it.
Often, certain SATA cables can fall out of their connection. One can check the condition of their SATA cables and ensure they are tightly connected to the SATA port connection.
If replacing the cable doesn't cause the problem to cease, the issue where the hard disk is not detected lies elsewhere.
This can arise when the drive is not receiving enough power to function and hence doesn't spin up. You can check for this issue by performing the following steps:
If you cannot determine whether the drive is spinning or not while fixing the scenario where the hard disk is not detected, here are a few steps:
If this doesn't fix the problem, you might have to get in touch with the manufacturer.
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The case where the hard disk is not detected is a hardware issue and requires you to have an understanding of BIOS. While using Windows 10, accessibility of BIOS might seem difficult and for that very reason, I have attached the steps that one can follow to reach the BIOS when the hard disk is not detected. Windows 10 has been causing a few troubles for the hard disk owners and therefore, we have listed out a series of methods to get you going.
Theo Lucia
chief Editor