Installed OS on new SSD but old HDD not recognized as a drive (Windows 10)

Leomanof1000 · Dec 20, 2016

I just installed windows to a new SSD and booted from it, but now Windows 10 doesn't recognize my old HDD as a drive, I do not want to format it, since it has data on it. What can I do or did I mess up?

John_561 · Dec 20, 2016

I don't think you messed up. All I can think of is to unplug the sata power and data cable from the old HD, reboot, and then add new hardware through taskbar tabs or the control panel. NOthing like that has ever happened to me. Was the old HD the one with Windows previously? If it had the OS on it b4 maybe there's a conflict because it recognizes it as the default or C: drive. Hmmm.

photonboy · Dec 20, 2016

The most likely cause is a loose cable to the HDD.

If that's the case it should just show up in FILE MANAGER so you can then navigate too it. (shut off PC first to check)

*Also, if it's a loose cable then there's a possibility that the HDD will be the boot drive now. If so, go into the BIOS and change the Boot Order back so the SSD is first (or second if DVD or USB is first).

(as per above post, that will NOT cause a conflict. The BIOS simply boots to the first drive in the boot list)

Other:
Check "Disk Management" (right-click Start) to see if the HDD shows up first. If it does then the cables are plugged in. If so, I'd have to read more about the issue though.

ArtPog · Dec 20, 2016

When you check Disk Management as photonboy suggests, check to see if a drive letter has been assigned to the HDD secondary drive. If not, you have my permission to assign one...

Leomanof1000 · Dec 20, 2016

John_561 :

Yea the old hard drive had the OS originally. and i did change the bios option for it to boot up with the SSD first.

Leomanof1000 · Dec 20, 2016

photonboy :

I the cables are fine and I did change the BIOS option for SSD to boot up first.

But when i go to disk management, it shows up as unallocated HDD.

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Installed OS on new SSD but old HDD not recognized as a drive (Windows 10)

Leomanof1000

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John_561

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photonboy

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ArtPog

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Leomanof1000

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Leomanof1000

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