Is my SSD Toast? Can't boot! Need help!

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Captain McFunk

Commendable
Jun 16, 2016
7
0
1,510
hey all,

So I went to log onto my PC that was asleep just now, and the login screen came up, then it froze. Then it BSOD with the error "error_unexpected_store" -- I tried to reboot, and it reboots into bios.

My setup is:

128GB Mushkin SSD that has Windows 10 that I boot from
1TB HGST internal for storage
1TB WD internal for storage
Asus Z97-AR MOBO


When I look in the BIOS Boot Menu, i see both the HGST and the WD drives, they show the amount of stored date on them. I see the Mushkin SSD, but it has (0MB) next to it, like there is nothing on it. I JUST dealt with my GPU dying last week, it's been sent to ASUS for repair. Could there be an issue with my PSU?

Anyways, I can't boot into my desktop, anything I can try that you can think of? If this drive is toast, how can I go about installing my windows license on the existing SATA drive until i replace the SSD? I would greatly appreciate your help!!!


Update: I switched to a different SATA port and it's still showing the same thing. I hooked up my disc drive, put in my Windows Installation disk, and tried to "refresh" -- When I did, it's telling me "the drive where Windows is installed is locked. Unlock the drive and try again." ---- Any ideas?

 
Solution
zeafer
Hi Capt,

Bad news first. If the SSD isn't showing any size at the BIOS level, then there's a good change the controller board on it has failed (hardware failure of the drive). You've already tried another port - the only other test you could do without specialist equipment is trying it on a different, working machine. I'd say you need to replace the drive (under warranty if available). :(

Now the good news. Windows 10's activation scheme actually works online now. A hardware "profile" is created by the installer, which is then registered against your serial number on Microsoft's servers. You are allowed to change some components (like a failed hard drive) and Microsoft will happily activate your PC again automatically - you just...
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Boogieman_WD

Boogieman_WD

Judicious
Jul 31, 2014
6,050
2
35,960
Hey there, Captain McFunk.

A locked SSD might mean that it has failed. Sorry for the grim news. You could try it out with a different computer and try reformatting it or secure erasing it, to see if that helps.

I can't tell if you have a problem with the PSU, my guess is that it might be a coincidence, but if you think that there might be something wrong, I'd suggest that you take it to a computer service shop and get it tested.

As for the Windows installation, do you have a product key for your OS? Because if you do, you can simply download the same version of Windows you have from Microsoft, install it and use your product key to activate it. If not, you should get a retail copy of Windows. :\

Hope that helps.
Boogieman_WD
 
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zeafer

zeafer

Distinguished
Aug 3, 2011
8
0
18,520
Hi Capt,

Bad news first. If the SSD isn't showing any size at the BIOS level, then there's a good change the controller board on it has failed (hardware failure of the drive). You've already tried another port - the only other test you could do without specialist equipment is trying it on a different, working machine. I'd say you need to replace the drive (under warranty if available). :(

Now the good news. Windows 10's activation scheme actually works online now. A hardware "profile" is created by the installer, which is then registered against your serial number on Microsoft's servers. You are allowed to change some components (like a failed hard drive) and Microsoft will happily activate your PC again automatically - you just "skip" entering your serial number during the installation, and click "Activate Windows" from the control panel once you're up and online again. So even if you just replace your system drive and install Windows 10 fresh from disc, you should be fine. Changing a motherboard can be an issue - but even then, as long as you have a serial number you can use Microsoft's "telephone" activation option and you should be okay.

So while it is a royal pain reinstalling everything, at least you'll have a clean, zippy Win 10 installation once you're done. On an SSD with a reasonably good processor, you should be booting up in around 8 seconds or less once you're done.
 
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