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Hard Drive not detected!
I currently have an 80 GB sata hard drive and I bought an Hitachi 320 Gb sata drive to upgrade it with, but the laptop doesn't detect the drive, not even in the bios! It's brand new, and if I connect it using a USB adaptor, the drive shows up on my computer. The Bios has been updated to the current version. I'm at a loss, please help!
Thanks!
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mayer
148.4k
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The new drive is probably to fast and needs to be jumpered down to probably 1.5 GB per second. Do a web search for "jumpers & your drives model number".
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mon
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Hi, try to go to the BIOS settings and check what is the SATA settings. If it is in AHCI try to change it to ATA and vice versa if it is set to ATA and then save the settings before exit. You will have to change the Cache Module to OFF before you can change to ATA.
I tried that already, but I'll give it another try. I'm reluctant to reset the Bios to default, do you think that might help?
Tried switching from AHCI to ATA, used no luck. I also chose "load defaults" in the BIOS, and Hard Drive still not detected. Any other ideas? Thanks!
Remove the drive and reinsert it making sure that it is fully seated. Use firm and even pressure to slide the hard drive into place. Excessive force may result in damage to the connector.
mon,
Wade Lodge, give us the model or serial number for both of the drives.
oldturkey03,
80 GB - Western Digitial - S/N: WXE508HR5459 320 GB - Hitachi - S/N: 333ATAHS Thanks!
Wade Lodge,
I would think that you are having a interface issue here. Especially since your computer reads the drive when it is connected via USB. What are your BIOS settings for the HDD. I am sure you already checked this, but make sure the SATA channel is turned ON in the BIOS. Second, you need to either install the RAID drivers when prompted or set the controller to ATA compatible in order for the OS disc to see an SATA drive. I know from one of your previous posts that you did the last part. Any chance you have a desktop or other computer that supports a SATA drive where you could install the HDD and see if it functions with the SATA interface?
oldturkey03,
I tried it on an Acer desktop and it was detected, but before that I tried it on another Dell laptop, an Inspiron 6400, BIOS verse A13 and it wasn't detected there either! The only option in this BIOS relating to SATA was called Serial ATA DIPM, which was enabled. I also tried it disabled. Wasn't detected either way. Is it something to do with the Dell BIOS?
Wade Lodge,
It sure does look like it. Your drive is recognized in USB mode, and on other computers but not the Dell, which leads me to believe it is the BIOS. I wonder if it does not support the interface
oldturkey03,
Its a 7mm drive, as opposed to the standard 9.5mm, would that have anything to do with it?
Wade Lodge,
I thought about that too when you you first mentioned which drive you have. I suppose it is possible, but only because of the interface. in reality, it should not, how does it fit inside the hard drive tray? Is this height from the bottom of the tray identical as it is on your 9.5mm drive? Any chance that the connector from the HDD does not fit the connector inside the dell properly. You have something that you can measure the height from your original drive and compare it to the new drive? If it does not properly engage, the drive will most certainly not be seen.
oldturkey03,
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