The first thing we must do to check the reason why the computer does not recognize the hard drive is to make sure that the connection cables They are placed correctly, both to the motherboard and to the hard drive. If, even so, the equipment still does not recognize it, we must try another connection available on the motherboard, since it is possible that this connector is defective.
If the computer finally recognizes the hard drive, we must make a mark on the motherboard connection so that, in case we want to connect an additional hard drive in the future, we will not face the same problem. The easiest solution is to use masking tape to cover it.
From the BIOS
The BIOS allows us to select the drive boot order that we have connected to our equipment. In this way, we can configure the computer to start from a USB drive or a DVD to install the operating system or run a Linux LiveCD, for example. If, in the established boot order, no unit with an operating system is detected, it automatically goes to the next one.
If no operating system is detected on any drive, the computer will not boot. From the BIOS we must make sure that the main storage unit is among the startup drives. If not, the computer will not take it into account when starting the computer.
These boot options are available in the Boot section of the BIOS, specifically in the section BootMode either Boot Options. First, we must establish the hard drive connected to the computer. In the rest of the options, we can leave them blank or choose the rest of the drives, since what we are interested in is being able to regain access to our main hard drive in order to start the computer.
Motherboard limitations
If the computer has stopped recognizing the hard drive after connecting a new storage unitespecially when dealing with SSDs and M2 drives, the problem is because many manufacturers reduce the number of SATA ports available when connecting M2 drives by using the M2 drive connection and the one next to it to establish a connection. only PCI connection that allows you to take advantage of the speed of this type of units.
The solution in these cases is to connect the new storage unit to the furthest port that is already busy on our motherboard. And, by the way, check through the BIOS that the SATA ports have not been disabled after connecting an M2 drive. I repeat, this problem only occurs when we want to connect an M2 and SATA drive together to a motherboard.
Use a diagnostic boot disk
If we take into account that our PC does not start, it is useless to find a solution to the problem from the operating system itself. In this case, we can make use of , a CD or USB that starts an edition of Windows 10 PE compatible with more modern computers with UEFI support as in older devices.
It includes a large number of applications that will help us detect what the problem is we are facing and, if possible, solve the problem. To start is LiveCD with Windows 10, all the necessary drivers are installed to take advantage of the graphics controller and the internet connection, in case it is necessary to download an application.
Another option is to use a LiveCD from a Linux distribution. However, if our knowledge of this operating system is basic or practically nil, the solution offered by Hiren’s BootCD is perfect, since the environment is visually the same as Windows 10, an environment that, to a greater or lesser extent, we can control .
Format the drive
When we buy a hard drive, the first thing to do is format it by selecting the File System that we want to use. Until we format it, the system will not be able to recognize it. To format a hard drive or SSD that we have just installed on our computer, we must access the disk manager, placing the mouse on the start button and clicking the right button.
Next, we must select the hard disk or SSD that we have installed, place the mouse over it and, with the right button select the Format option, selecting the file system we want. If it is an internal hard drive that we are going to use with Windows, the best option is to select NTFS.
Once the formatting process is complete, Windows will automatically detect the storage drive and give it the next available drive letter on your computer.
What file system does it use?
If after connecting a hard drive to our computer, Windows does not detect it, it is likely that the source of the problem is in the file system. Windows supports the FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS file systems. However, does not support ext2, ext3 and ext4the file system used by Linux.
However, Linux is compatible with all Windows file systems. The solution to access ext2, ext3 and ext4 formatted drives is to use some of the different apps with this feature or to pull WSL and mount the drive by installing a Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store.
At the time of publishing this article, Windows only offers Linux support via WSL via terminal. Presumably, over time, Microsoft will introduce a graphical interface that allows graphical access to data stored on drives with the file format used by this operating system.
Check the jumpers on the HDD
Unless we are dealing with HDD units, that is, mechanically operated units that write and read data on a disk, we do not have to worry about the position of the jumpers that allow us to choose whether the hard disk will work as master or slavesince SSD drives lack them.
If the jumper is located in the middle area, the hard disk will be assigned as the main drive and will use the letter C as the drive. If we remove the jumper, the computer will recognize the hard drive as a slave, secondary drive, so it will receive the letter D. Although there are more configurations, these two are the most used in home computers.
Although most manufacturers use the same configuration in terms of the position of the jumpers, it is important to make sure through the label of the hard drives. The functionality of the jumpers to manage the main and secondary units of the hard drives, we will only find it in old equipment.
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