Hard Drive disappearing and reappearing after Windows re-install

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fmxian

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Dec 15, 2014
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Hello all,
About a week ago I decided to completely format my computer and start with a fresh copy of Windows 10. I am using a Kingston SSD for the OS and a WD Blue 1TB HDD for storage. Now every time I boot my PC and use it for around 15-30 minutes my HDD disappears. It does not disappear from "My Computer(This PC)" however any program or game I try to run that is stored on that Drive will not open. If I reboot the PC and then look back into My Computer the drive is then gone. The only way to fix it is to unplug the Hard drive from power and reconnect it. I have tried unplugging the SATA cable but that has been hit or miss. The only way to get the drive to show back up for sure is to unplug it from power. I have run chkdsk on the drive and nothing comes back as wrong, however if i try to run chkdsk on the drive after it has disappeared I get a message saying that the drive is RAW and can not be checked. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated as I can not reboot my PC every 30 minutes. Thank you
 
Solution
Boogieman_WD
It would be great if an OS update could fix things up. In the meantime you could try the HDD with a different computer if possible, by connecting it either externally (via a SATA to USB adapter, external enclosure, or a dock station) or internally, to see if it can be used without it being disconnected all the time on its own.
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Boogieman_WD

Boogieman_WD

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Jul 31, 2014
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Hey there, fmxian.

Sorry to hear about the issues you're experiencing with your drive.

I'd strongly recommend that you backup your important data just to be on the safe side. After that go ahead and download DLG (Data Lifeguard) and run both tests (Quick and Extended), to see if anything out of the ordinary pops-up. Here's how to do it: How to test a drive for problems using Data Lifeguard Diagnostics for Windows. Note that if the drive can't stay connected for longer than 30min, the Extended test might not be able to complete as it might take a couple of hours, depending on the drive's size.
Other than that you could try the HDD with a different SATA port and different cables altogether. Give it a go with a different computer as well (if you have that option).

Please let me know how everything goes.
Boogieman_WD
 
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fmxian

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Dec 15, 2014
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Thank-you for the suggestion. I was able to run the quick test, however the drive will not stay connected long enough to run the extended test. Here are the results of the quick test
Test Option: QUICK TEST
Model Number: WDC WD10EZEX-21M2NA0
Unit Serial Number: Remitted
Firmware Number: 01.01A01
Capacity: 1000.20 GB
SMART Status: PASS
Test Result: PASS
Test Time: 15:48:24, September 11, 2016
I also have tried connecting the drive to a different SATA port, but am getting the same issue. I also assume that if the issue was with the cables than my SSD would be disconnecting as well, but it has never had a problem.

Edit: Also, not sure if this helps, but when I reinstalled windows I used the Command Prompt to format the HDD and assign it a drive letter. Just letting you know.
 
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Boogieman_WD

Boogieman_WD

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Jul 31, 2014
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I'd recommend that you remove the S/N of the drive for security reasons, especially if the HDD is under warranty.
I see. Well, the fact that the drive passes the test is a good sign. However, it's really unfortunate that you won't be able to perform the extended test. Do you have the option to try the HDD with a different computer and perform the test (as well as check if it disconnects so often)?
Formatting the drive via CMD and assigning it a letter should not cause any issues whatsoever, so I'll rule that out as a possibility.
The SSD and the HDD use different SATA cables (data), even if they might be using the same connector for SATA-power, so trying out different cables is still a viable option.

Please keep me posted.
 
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fmxian

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Dec 15, 2014
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Hello Boogieman,
I replaced the SATA cables and ran the extended test again. It stopped after almost halfway being done. Here is the test result, I assume this means my HDD is failing.

Test Option: EXTENDED TEST
Model Number: WDC WD10EZEX-21M2NA0
Unit Serial Number: Remitted
Firmware Number: 01.01A01
Capacity: 1000.20 GB
SMART Status: PASS
Test Result: FAIL
Test Error Code: 08-Too many bad sectors detected.
Test Time: 00:41:29, September 18, 2016

 
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fmxian

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Dec 15, 2014
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I'd also like to add that since switching out the sata cables, My PC now shows 5 CD-ROM Drives, I don't even have a single one connected, just the two hard drives.

 
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Boogieman_WD

Boogieman_WD

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Jul 31, 2014
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Unfortunately, yes. Your drive is failing and you should get it replaced. If it's still under warranty you should contact the vendor you got it from or get in touch with our customer support and start the RMA procedure. Here you can check the warranty with WD: Warranty Status and here you can get in touch with our CS team: WD Support Portal.

As for seeing optical drives, try disconnecting this drive, to see if they disappear again. Also try reseating the cables for your other drives as well.
 
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fmxian

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Dec 15, 2014
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Well I contacted WD support and fortunately the drive was still under warranty. Just got the new drive today, hooked it up, reinstalled almost everything and lo and behold the same thing is happening again. This can not be a cable issue as I have switched around the cables from both the SSD and HDD (they both use the exact same connectors) and this is still happening. What could be the issue?
 
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Boogieman_WD

Boogieman_WD

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Jul 31, 2014
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This sounds truly unfortunate. :(

I'm afraid you'll have to go through DLG's tests once again, to see if there's something wrong with the replacement drive you've received. Good job on trying out different cables beforehand!

Please let me know what are the results of the tests.
 
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fmxian

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Dec 15, 2014
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It seems that whenever there is any kind of load on the drive it disappears. If I let the PC sit there unused the drive stays active but as soon as I attempt to install anything or run the extended test it seems to disappear. I have been reading and now suspect that it is an issue with my specific build of Windows. I am attempting to update Windows now and will let you know
 
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Boogieman_WD

Boogieman_WD

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Jul 31, 2014
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It would be great if an OS update could fix things up. In the meantime you could try the HDD with a different computer if possible, by connecting it either externally (via a SATA to USB adapter, external enclosure, or a dock station) or internally, to see if it can be used without it being disconnected all the time on its own.
 
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