Sudden loss of HDD recognition in BIOS / Unable to boot
December 12th, 2011, 19:19
Hello all,
This is my first post on these forums, and they have been generally pretty good at answering my questions.
First and foremost, I am NOT a tech guru, so I may need more simplistic answers.
I recently built a new computer for myself, and it went together successfully without much headache. I was able to easily install Windows 7 Professional, and have been able to use it without any problems whatsoever over the past 10 days or so. Very rarely do I turn off my computer - it just goes into a sleep mode. However, I am certain that I have restarted it in the past when installing important drivers, programs, etc.
Today, my computer gummed up while running a load of processes, and I hit the reboot button on my computer (I couldn't get the task manager to pop up to try to kill hungry processes). When the computer rebooted, it was unable to boot windows and asked for an appropriate boot medium to be inserted. Interestingly enough, while this was happening, I was watching the diagnostic gadgets on the side of my screen. It didn't appear that the processor, GPU, RAM or HD were particularly burdened while my computer was jammed up. However, it was not a 'full' freeze, in that I could still move the mouse.
When I entered BIOS, my hard drive was not detected...
Thinking back, I briefly had this issue while installing Windows 7 originally. I restarted the computer several times, and it sporadically picked up the hard drives when I instructed BIOS to revert to default settings. I have not yet tried this with my current problem, because I don't know if revert the BIOS to factory settings will cause any damage to my system (even software-wise). As far as I know, I haven't even changed any of the settings from their factory default.
The system has been working well since I built it, as I said, and the hard drive has comfortably accommodated over 300GB of data so far. Does anybody have any idea why my computer would arbitrarily stop detecting my hard drive?
Relevant Specs:
Hard Drive:
HITACHI Deskstar 7K1000.D HDS721010DLE630 (0F13180) 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5"
Motherboard:
ASUS Sabertooth X58 LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Please let me know if you need additional information. I would love to resolve this expediently, as finals are approaching, and I have minimal time to try to fix this problem. It would be excellent to be able to access the files on that drive as well!
Thanks in advance.
- Michael
This is my first post on these forums, and they have been generally pretty good at answering my questions.
First and foremost, I am NOT a tech guru, so I may need more simplistic answers.
I recently built a new computer for myself, and it went together successfully without much headache. I was able to easily install Windows 7 Professional, and have been able to use it without any problems whatsoever over the past 10 days or so. Very rarely do I turn off my computer - it just goes into a sleep mode. However, I am certain that I have restarted it in the past when installing important drivers, programs, etc.
Today, my computer gummed up while running a load of processes, and I hit the reboot button on my computer (I couldn't get the task manager to pop up to try to kill hungry processes). When the computer rebooted, it was unable to boot windows and asked for an appropriate boot medium to be inserted. Interestingly enough, while this was happening, I was watching the diagnostic gadgets on the side of my screen. It didn't appear that the processor, GPU, RAM or HD were particularly burdened while my computer was jammed up. However, it was not a 'full' freeze, in that I could still move the mouse.
When I entered BIOS, my hard drive was not detected...
Thinking back, I briefly had this issue while installing Windows 7 originally. I restarted the computer several times, and it sporadically picked up the hard drives when I instructed BIOS to revert to default settings. I have not yet tried this with my current problem, because I don't know if revert the BIOS to factory settings will cause any damage to my system (even software-wise). As far as I know, I haven't even changed any of the settings from their factory default.
The system has been working well since I built it, as I said, and the hard drive has comfortably accommodated over 300GB of data so far. Does anybody have any idea why my computer would arbitrarily stop detecting my hard drive?
Relevant Specs:
Hard Drive:
HITACHI Deskstar 7K1000.D HDS721010DLE630 (0F13180) 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5"
Motherboard:
ASUS Sabertooth X58 LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Please let me know if you need additional information. I would love to resolve this expediently, as finals are approaching, and I have minimal time to try to fix this problem. It would be excellent to be able to access the files on that drive as well!
Thanks in advance.
- Michael
Re: Sudden loss of HDD recognition in BIOS / Unable to boot
December 12th, 2011, 19:19
As a follow up --
During the 10-15 minutes that I was writing this previous post, my computer was off. I figured I might try leaving it off for awhile to clear any caches in the system.
When I booted it up, Windows was recognized and loaded successfully... However, as soon as I began to use it (running Firefox), the system started to slow down, and it came to a complete freeze... Again, my diagnostics did not show the computer to be particularly burdened...
When I restarted, the hard drive was again not detected...
This is very troublesome for me. Could this be a sign of imminent hard drive failure? Already?
The fact that it ran after clearing the cache led me to believe that it might even be a RAM failure. However, the system recognizes all 12GB of RAM, and my diagnostics did not indicate that the RAM usage was topping 20%. I don't know if that is relevant at all.
I did not receive any issues with the graphics (black screen, colors, etc.) that lead me to believe that it is graphics related. I also did not receive any BSODs.
Any help would be very appreciated!!!
During the 10-15 minutes that I was writing this previous post, my computer was off. I figured I might try leaving it off for awhile to clear any caches in the system.
When I booted it up, Windows was recognized and loaded successfully... However, as soon as I began to use it (running Firefox), the system started to slow down, and it came to a complete freeze... Again, my diagnostics did not show the computer to be particularly burdened...
When I restarted, the hard drive was again not detected...
This is very troublesome for me. Could this be a sign of imminent hard drive failure? Already?
The fact that it ran after clearing the cache led me to believe that it might even be a RAM failure. However, the system recognizes all 12GB of RAM, and my diagnostics did not indicate that the RAM usage was topping 20%. I don't know if that is relevant at all.
I did not receive any issues with the graphics (black screen, colors, etc.) that lead me to believe that it is graphics related. I also did not receive any BSODs.
Any help would be very appreciated!!!
Re: Sudden loss of HDD recognition in BIOS / Unable to boot
December 12th, 2011, 19:35
mfspigner wrote:Could this be a sign of imminent hard drive failure?
Yes, it could be. Further diagnosis would be needed to confirm this.
Do you have software installed which can show you the SMART data for the drive? (That data may not provide conclusive proof of the cause of the specific behaviour you are seeing, but it is one way to get good circumstantial evidence.)
Re: Sudden loss of HDD recognition in BIOS / Unable to boot
December 12th, 2011, 19:36
I don't believe that I do. I'm unfamiliar with SMART data. Is there a particular utility that I could use to gather said information that would be helpful to you?
Re: Sudden loss of HDD recognition in BIOS / Unable to boot
December 12th, 2011, 20:15
Now that I find you've asked exactly the same question on Tom's Hardware forums too (and who knows where else), I'm not going to spend long on this, as there is no point in me duplicating the effort of other people who read your postings there...
It's a real shame for you, that you don't have SMART software installed already. There are several programs which you could use to collect the SMART data, but downloading & installing them (or even just downloading them, in the case of something like MHDD), means you'll need to write them somewhere - depending on your config, that could be onto the "suspect" disk.
Therefore there is a risk (perhaps small, perhaps not) in performing even the most basic troubleshooting, if you don't have another PC to download something like MHDD (from this website), and then create bootable media (floppy / CD / USB) - which is probably the lowest risk option, as MHDD isn't Windows software that has to be installed, but it can be require some PC BIOS setting reconfiguration to use it.
It has to be your choice whether to carry on doing DIY investigation, with the risk that you'll make things worse, or that the drive will deteriorate during that process, at the extreme causing total loss of your data.
If you have another 1TB disk, then a typical DIY approach (assuming you're accepting the risks of DIY that I mentioned), would be to clone your exiting "suspect" disk, onto that other equivalent-sized disk using suitable software. Search on this forum about cloning for previous discussions including various people suggesting their preferred software. Again, cloning also shouldn't be done by installing that software onto your exiting "suspect" disk - you either need bootable media or a different PC.
Alternatively, if your data is valuable, or if you don't have time to learn enough of the DIY process with your looming deadline, then you should consider using a professional DR company. People here can give recommendations, if needed.
Perhaps other readers here will give morre options for you to consider - just remember that with DR, you sometimes have only one chance to do the right thing, and inexperienced people may not recognise the importance (and irrevocable nature) of some decisions.
It's a real shame for you, that you don't have SMART software installed already. There are several programs which you could use to collect the SMART data, but downloading & installing them (or even just downloading them, in the case of something like MHDD), means you'll need to write them somewhere - depending on your config, that could be onto the "suspect" disk.
Therefore there is a risk (perhaps small, perhaps not) in performing even the most basic troubleshooting, if you don't have another PC to download something like MHDD (from this website), and then create bootable media (floppy / CD / USB) - which is probably the lowest risk option, as MHDD isn't Windows software that has to be installed, but it can be require some PC BIOS setting reconfiguration to use it.
It has to be your choice whether to carry on doing DIY investigation, with the risk that you'll make things worse, or that the drive will deteriorate during that process, at the extreme causing total loss of your data.
If you have another 1TB disk, then a typical DIY approach (assuming you're accepting the risks of DIY that I mentioned), would be to clone your exiting "suspect" disk, onto that other equivalent-sized disk using suitable software. Search on this forum about cloning for previous discussions including various people suggesting their preferred software. Again, cloning also shouldn't be done by installing that software onto your exiting "suspect" disk - you either need bootable media or a different PC.
Alternatively, if your data is valuable, or if you don't have time to learn enough of the DIY process with your looming deadline, then you should consider using a professional DR company. People here can give recommendations, if needed.
Perhaps other readers here will give morre options for you to consider - just remember that with DR, you sometimes have only one chance to do the right thing, and inexperienced people may not recognise the importance (and irrevocable nature) of some decisions.
Re: Sudden loss of HDD recognition in BIOS / Unable to boot
December 12th, 2011, 20:30
Thank you for your thorough reply. You are correct - I posted the same question on three forums, as I was not sure whether they shared the same audiences, and I was hoping to get a few opinions.
Fortunately, this build was a clean and new build, and all of the 'backup data' that I am concerned about is already stored on a working HDD from a previous computer. The case in my current build supports the ability to hot-swap HDDs, making the data transfer fairly simple.
In addition, I used Acronis TrueImage to create a disk image of my system once it was healthy and running with Windows 7 and all requisite drivers. I presume that I should be able to boot off that backup disc with a new hard drive in order to restore my 'base' build, although I have not actually done so yet.
It might be most economical for me to spring and buy a new HDD from the local hardware store. If the problems resolve themselves with a new drive, I suppose I could assume that the issue was hard drive related. Am I chasing a white elephant by even attempting to diagnose this drive?
Additionally, if it is relevant to the problem -- I noticed that my computer's HDD light remains constantly on while the computer freezes, although my diagnostic 'gadgets' indicate that the hard drive is not being used at all.
Thanks for your reply.
Fortunately, this build was a clean and new build, and all of the 'backup data' that I am concerned about is already stored on a working HDD from a previous computer. The case in my current build supports the ability to hot-swap HDDs, making the data transfer fairly simple.
In addition, I used Acronis TrueImage to create a disk image of my system once it was healthy and running with Windows 7 and all requisite drivers. I presume that I should be able to boot off that backup disc with a new hard drive in order to restore my 'base' build, although I have not actually done so yet.
It might be most economical for me to spring and buy a new HDD from the local hardware store. If the problems resolve themselves with a new drive, I suppose I could assume that the issue was hard drive related. Am I chasing a white elephant by even attempting to diagnose this drive?
Additionally, if it is relevant to the problem -- I noticed that my computer's HDD light remains constantly on while the computer freezes, although my diagnostic 'gadgets' indicate that the hard drive is not being used at all.
Thanks for your reply.
Re: Sudden loss of HDD recognition in BIOS / Unable to boot
December 13th, 2011, 3:57
I agree with Vulcan.
To me, the problem of your system involves a faulty hdd (most likely), some trouble with your motherboard (less likely) or some problem with your PSU (likely).
When drive cools down your system identifies it and you have access to it. This means that:
a) You can try and clone this drive using some boot s/w (like Ghost or Acronis) to another drive, as Vulcan suggests. This means you accept risks of DIY which could mean that your drive's status gets worse and your data can be lost forever.
b) Just use a new drive and install windows to it and see if the problems persist. If they do, then the problem is related to something else; if they don't then you've solved your problem. In the first case you can always keep the second drive (so no loss), in the latter case, you can try and plug the faulty hdd to your system and copy your data onto the new disk. Then RMA your faulty hdd, and tada!
If you feel stressed about all this, then you can consult a pro in your area.
Good luck
To me, the problem of your system involves a faulty hdd (most likely), some trouble with your motherboard (less likely) or some problem with your PSU (likely).
When drive cools down your system identifies it and you have access to it. This means that:
a) You can try and clone this drive using some boot s/w (like Ghost or Acronis) to another drive, as Vulcan suggests. This means you accept risks of DIY which could mean that your drive's status gets worse and your data can be lost forever.
b) Just use a new drive and install windows to it and see if the problems persist. If they do, then the problem is related to something else; if they don't then you've solved your problem. In the first case you can always keep the second drive (so no loss), in the latter case, you can try and plug the faulty hdd to your system and copy your data onto the new disk. Then RMA your faulty hdd, and tada!
If you feel stressed about all this, then you can consult a pro in your area.
Good luck
Re: Sudden loss of HDD recognition in BIOS / Unable to boot
December 13th, 2011, 9:31
@mfspigner:
I think your posting actually appeared (after moderation) subsequent to the post from northwind below. You're already receiving replies on another forum, you've now added new information that you don't need the data on this disk, and you got useful suggestions from northwind. Therefore I'll just add one comment:
Yes, that is very relevant, and is typical of a drive having a problem. The drive itself may be faulty, or it could be an problem outside the drive, like power. You can follow suggestion (b) from northwind to see if the drive itself is the cause.
@northwind:
All agreed!
I think your posting actually appeared (after moderation) subsequent to the post from northwind below. You're already receiving replies on another forum, you've now added new information that you don't need the data on this disk, and you got useful suggestions from northwind. Therefore I'll just add one comment:
mfspigner wrote:Additionally, if it is relevant to the problem -- I noticed that my computer's HDD light remains constantly on while the computer freezes, although my diagnostic 'gadgets' indicate that the hard drive is not being used at all.
Yes, that is very relevant, and is typical of a drive having a problem. The drive itself may be faulty, or it could be an problem outside the drive, like power. You can follow suggestion (b) from northwind to see if the drive itself is the cause.
@northwind:
All agreed!
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