- G Drive Not Recognized
- Usb Hard Drive Not Recognized
- Flash Drive Not Recognized
- Usb Drives Not Recognized
Dec 21, 2020 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions
Windows 10 is built to have smarter and faster responses when processing commands and requests. For example, when you plug in a new hard drive, it will automatically perform the necessary actions to integrate the new device to other components of the system. However, it does not follow that this process is invulnerable— sometimes, the system fails to detect the hard drive.
OVERVIEW OF THE ERROR 'HARD DRIVE NOT SHOWING UP'
Drive File Stream is now Google Drive for desktop. The branding in the product has also been updated to Google Workspace, the new name for G Suite. The mount point path remains the same, so you can still find all your files in the same places, but shortcuts to the application have been renamed to Google Drive. Constituents who do not have pending cases but require assistance in matters relating to federal government agencies are invited to contact the nearest district office for further information and assistance. Request Casework Assistance To print, sign, and mail a request for casework assistance, please fill out this form. You'll generally want to buy a hard drive made by the same company which made your computer (e.g., HP). Some hard drives aren't compatible with certain computers. Before buying a hard drive for your computer, search for your computer's model and the hard drive's name (e.g., 'HP Pavilion compatible with L3M56AA SATA') to see if they'll work.
There are a few scenarios that a Windows user might encounter when they install a new internal hard drive:
Internal Hard Drive does not show up in Windows Disk Management
If the new drive cannot be found when using the Disk Management feature, the physical installation might have failed. You can try opening the BIOS menu and locate the drive from there.
Can't see the hard drive in Windows 10
If the hard drive is improperly installed, or subjected to faulty initialization and format, the hard drive will not show up.
The external hard drive does not appear
External hard drives may also not be included in the list, especially when the drive becomes corrupted or damaged.
Hard drive won't appear in File Explorer, BIOS or PC
If the internal hard drive is nowhere to be found, the problem may be due to a connection issue.
FIXING THE 'HARD DRIVE NOT SHOWING UP' ERROR
1. CHECK IF DISK IS CONNECTED PROPERLY
a. It's important to double-check the connections from your hard drive to the PC. Ensure that the cables connecting the hard drive to the power supply or motherboard are in place. If data cables are switched or misplaced, the system cannot detect the hard drive.
If you do not know how to check wires, do not attempt to plug/unplug any connected cables on the drive. Rather, have an expert look at your computer.
2. INITIALIZE DISK
a. Press Win + X and choose the Disk Management selection.
b. On the Disk Management window, you will see a list of all connected hard drives to the PC. Choose the drive that is unallocated and unknown. Right-click on it and select Initialize Disk.
c. A prompt will ask you whether you want the hard drive to have a GUID Partition Table (GPT) or Master Boot Record (MBR). Select one and click OK. (GPT is usually recommended, but you can read up about these two online before choosing).
d. The window will redirect to the Disk Management window. Select the initialized hard drive (listed as Online and Basic) and right-click. Choose New Simple Volume. Click on Next.
e. Assign a drive letter.
f. Format the drive in the simple volume by following the wizard. Most users prefer the NFTS file system. Perform a quick format.
g. Restart your PC.
3. UPDATE DRIVERS
a. On your search bar, type Settings and click on Update & Security.
b. Choose Windows Update and then click the Check for updates selection.
c. Wait for the update to complete. If an update is published in the Windows Update service, updates will be downloaded and installed automatically.
4. RUN DISKPART COMMAND
a. Launch Command Prompt.
b. On the command line, key in diskpart and hit Enter.
c. Type these commands one by one and click Enter key after each one:
list disk
select disk
clean
d. When prompt says the command is executed successfully, close Command window and restart your PC.
Note: make sure that you are running diskpart on the correct hard drive to make sure that no data is wiped.
5. CHECK BIOS
a. Reboot your PC. When the Windows logo appears, click F2 or DEL a few times to enter the BIOS interface.
b. Check whether the hard drive is in the list of all connected drives. If it does not appear, it could probably be because the hard drive is not connected properly.
6. CONNECT THE HARD DRIVE IN ANOTHER PORT
A hard drive malfunction may be caused by faulty wiring or damaged ports. Connect your hard drive to another SATA port on the PC's motherboard. If after doing this, the hard drive remains undiscoverable, the problem may be on the cables. You can try replacing old cables with new ones and check to see if the drive is now listed as a connected drive.
If you do not have any prior knowledge about hard drive cables and ports, do not attempt to do this method on your own. It would be better to approach an IT expert who knows their way around computers to avoid damaging your system further.
CONCLUSION
The hard drive is an important component of your PC. If it is damaged, corrupted, or missing, you should avoid saving files or running programs before having it fixed. Using faulty drives may result in data loss or worse, system failure.
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Last updated on February 4th, 2017
Several times I have faced problems with USB devices in all Windows versions. For instance a USB device (e.g. printer, scanner or webcam) is not functioning or a USB storage device (e.g. USB flash disk) is not detected at all. USB devices issues can occur for different reasons.
For example, when you eject a USB storage device without using the “Safely Remove hardware” option or after a program or Windows Update or after a virus attack. If you face problems with USB devices, then you can use this troubleshooting guide to resolve your USB problems.
USB Errors – Symptoms that can fixed using this guide:
– USB Device not recognized
– USB Printer not recognized or not printing
– USB Storage device cannot be recognized or ejected through “Safely Remove” option.
– USB device driver not successfully installed or Windows cannot install USB device error.
– Unrecognized USB device in Device Manager (error code 43)
– USB Device not recognized
– USB Printer not recognized or not printing
– USB Storage device cannot be recognized or ejected through “Safely Remove” option.
– USB device driver not successfully installed or Windows cannot install USB device error.
– Unrecognized USB device in Device Manager (error code 43)
How to Troubleshoot & Solve USB device recognition issues.
Before continuing to apply the solutions given below perform these steps:
1. Completely Shutdown your computer and remove the power cable. (Also remove the battery if you own a laptop). Leave it unplugged for about 5-10 minutes and then re-plug the power cord (and the battery). Turn On your computer and check if your USB devices are working.
2. If you own a laptop:
- Turn off your laptop.
- Unplug the AC power adapter and the battery.
- Leave your computer without power for about 15 minutes.
- Reinsert the battery
- Turn on your laptop.
- Plug one by one all USB devices.
- Check if the USB not recognized problem is solved and the USB devices are working.
- Plug the AC power adapter.
3. Change the USB cable that connects your computer with the USB device.
4. Download Hirens BootCd and boot your computer in MiniXP environment. Plug a USB flash stick on an empty port. Open Windows Explorer and check if you can access USB stick's contents. (Instructions on how to download and start your computer from HirensCD MiniXP can be found at the steps 1,2 & 3 on this tutorial). If you cannot access USB stick's contents, then probably your motherboard's USB ports are damaged.
G Drive Not Recognized
5. Scan your computer for malware by using the instructions in this guide: Quick Malware Scan and Removal Guide.
Solution 6: Completely Remove and Re-Install all Universal Serial Bus Controllers & USB Devices
Solution 1: Solve USB problems with Microsoft USB Fix It utility.
1. First download the Microsoft Fix It utility to your computer.*
* Notes:
– Windows 8 & 8.1 users must download the Windows 8 USB Hotfix.
– Windows 7 USB Fix it Utility can work also for Windows Vista & Windows XP.
– Windows Vista users can try also the USB Devices Fix It utility for Windows Vista.
– Windows XP users can also try the USB Fix it for Windows XP.
– Windows 8 & 8.1 users must download the Windows 8 USB Hotfix.
– Windows 7 USB Fix it Utility can work also for Windows Vista & Windows XP.
– Windows Vista users can try also the USB Devices Fix It utility for Windows Vista.
– Windows XP users can also try the USB Fix it for Windows XP.
- Windows 8, 8.1, Server 2012: USB Hotfix (https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2830154).
- Windows 7, Vista & XP:USB Fix It utility (https://support.microsoft.com/mats/windows_usb_diagnostics).
- Windows Vista (alternative): USB Devices Fix It for Windows Vista (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/tips-for-solving-problems-with-usb-devices)
- Windows XP (alternative): USB Fix It for Windows XP (https://support.microsoft.com/kb/817900)
2. RunMicrosoft Fix It tool and press “Accept”.
3. Select “Detect problems and apply the fixes for me (Recommended)” option.
4. Let the troubleshooter to fix USB problems and press “Next”.
If your problem is fixed, close the troubleshooter and check your USB devices functionality.
Solution 2: Diagnose & Solve USB problems with Windows Troubleshooter
1. Open “Troubleshooting” from Control Panel. To do that:
- Press “Windows” + “R” keys to load the Run dialog box.
- Type “control panel” and press Enter.
2. Change the “View By” option to “Small icons” and click “Troubleshooting”.
3. Under “Hardware and Sound” section, click “Configure a device”.
4. When Hardware and Devices troubleshooter appears on your screen, press “Next”.
5. When troubleshooter diagnose is completed, apply all fixes prompted and then check USB functionality.
Solution 3: Change USB Suspend settings.
1. Open Power Options from Control Panel. To do that:
- Press “Windows” + “R” keys to load the Run dialog box.
- Type “control panel” and press Enter.
Usb Hard Drive Not Recognized
2.Double-click to open “Power Options”.*
* Notice: If you don’t see “Power Options” change the “View By”: “Small Icons”.
3. Click “Change plan settings”.
4. Click “Change advanced power settings”.
5. At Advanced power settings, expand “USB Settings” and set “USB selective suspend setting” to “Disabled”.*
* Notice: For laptop computers you have to change this setting in both fields there: On Battery & Plugged in.
Flash Drive Not Recognized
6. Press “OK” and restart your computer.
Solution 4: Change USB Power Management Settings.
1.Unplug all USB devices and open Device Manager. To do that:
- Press “Windows” + “R” keys to load the Run dialog box.
- Type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter.
2. In device manager, double-click to expand “Universal Serial Bus controllers”.
3. Double-click to “USB Root Hub” to open its properties.
4. Click “Power Management”.
5.Uncheck (Deselect) the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” option and press “OK”.
6. You must perform the same operation (steps 3, 4 & 5) for all “USB Root Hub” devices.
7. Close “Device Manager” and plug all your USB Devices again.
Solution 5: Install the latest Intel Drivers by using the Intel® Driver Update Utility.
1. Download the install the Intel® Driver Update Utility.
Usb Drives Not Recognized
2. When the installation is completed, press the Start Scan button and let the program to detect and find the latest drivers for your Intel devices.
3. After scan, Download the drivers found.
4. Finally press Install and follow all the prompts, to install the latest Intel drivers found and restart your computer.
Solution 6: Completely Uninstall and Re-Install all Universal Serial Bus Controllers & USB Devices.
1.Unplug all USB devices and open Device Manager. To do that:
- Press “Windows” + “R” keys to load the Run dialog box.
- Type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter.
2. In device manager, double-click to expand “Universal Serial Bus controllers”.
3.Right-click on every USB device found there and select “Uninstall”.
* Note: If you lose the connectivity with your USB Keyboard or the USB Mouse, during uninstall, then unplug & plug them again on the computer.
4.Restart your computer.
5. After restart wait until Windows automatically install all USB Serial Bus controllers again.
6. Now plug your USB devices (one by one) and see if your computer can recognize them properly and without errors.
Attention: At this point, if a USB device is still not recognized by Windows, then you must uninstall the specific USB device using Device Manager and install it again.
7. Uninstall USB unrecognized devices.
Example 1: If you plug your USB flash disk (USB Storage device) and it doesn't appear on Windows Explorer, then find this storage device in Device Manager and uninstall it. After uninstalling, unplug the storage device from your computer and plug it again.
Example 2: If you plug your mobile phone (by using a USB cable) and it is not recognized by Windows, then find your mobile phone in Device Manager (usually it is under “Portable Devices) and uninstall it. After uninstalling, unplug the Mobile’s USB cable from your computer and plug it again.
Good Luck!
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