An internal hard drive is a drive used to store information. The internal hardware contains software, files, and other essential systems that are already installed. A computer can have more than one internal hardware, leading to more excellent storage. Let us know ‘The Internal Hard Drive Keeps Disconnecting’.
The Internal Hard Drive Keeps Disconnecting
If the internal hard drive is disconnecting time and again, there may be a possibility of a faulty hard drive, or there may be a problem with the wires and other connections. All these problems can be fixed by checking the connections, and the wires, performing a clean boot, and other similar functions to ensure the smooth running of the internal hard drive.
Sometimes, the internal hard drive keeps connecting and disconnecting, it sometimes is visible on the computer, and other times it’s not. So, how to check the hard disk, and how to confirm if this problem is related to the hard disk, motherboard, or connector?
Change SATA Cable
If the hard disk is not being connected to the laptop, then here is how to check.
You have to go to BIOS. There are different keys for different systems that lead to BIOS. Right after the computer is switched on, you can press any of these keys; F2, F9, F10, or Esc. Then you have to see if the hard disc option is enabled or not in the advanced settings. It will either be shown in the advanced integrated system or the BIOS features.
In case, there is no hard disc shown in the BIOS, you have to check the SATA cable. To check the cable, you have to cross-check the seven pins are exactly on the opposite side of the wire. Make sure there is a proper supply provided to the hard disc connector.
You can also try cleaning the pins where the SATA cable has to be inserted, the carbon dust on the pins doesn’t allow the cable to be connected properly.
Cross Checking the Hard Disc
If the problem continues, you have to insert the hard disk in some other device, if the hard disk is shown in another device, then the problem is maybe in your board. If the hard disk is not shown in another system, then that means the hard disc itself is of no use.
Problem With Power Connector, Motor Connector, or PCB
First, you have to check the board. Check the data connector and the motor connector. If nothing is wrong with the logic board, there are other methods to decide the problem that leads to disconnecting the hard drive.
When the power goes through the motor connector, the motor will spin. If the motor is not spinning, it means the power is not going through the connector. The power not going through the motor means there is a bad component in the PCB.
Moisture In Power Connector
The second reason for the power not going through the motor is moisture in the connector. The moisture doesn’t allow the connector to be connected. So, clean and dry the motor and the power connector. Take the eraser, and rub that eraser on the connector. This is not a major problem, but due to the moisture, the disc will keep disconnecting.
Change the PCB
You will have to change PCB if the problem continues. For this, find the same board. Find the manufacturer’s model, location, and main criteria or PCB serial number. The PCB number needs to be matched. If the PCB number matches, then the new PCB will be matched.
Perform a Clean Boot
Whenever you have an internal hard disc disconnecting or any other similar problem, performing a clean boot will help you eliminate software conflicts, especially during the software update or software installation. Usually, system utilities, antivirus, and other types of processes may include applications may include processes that can conflict with the normal operation of Windows.
Here are the steps to perform a clean boot on Windows 10 or 11 to help you troubleshoot and determine conflicts in your setup.
- Click on the search menu
- Search system configuration app
- Click services step
- Check the “Hide all Microsoft Services Option”
- Click the “Disable all button”
- Click “Apply”
- Click the “Startup tab”
- Click “Open Task Manager Option”
- Select each item
- Click Disable button
- Close the task manager
- Click ok
You will then need to restart your computer to apply these changes. So, click the restart button appearing on your screen. After starting the device with a clean boot, you should try applying updates that you couldn’t do previously.
Update the Driver
If you fail to update the drivers manually, and if you wish that there could be a click or a button that could check all the drivers that needed an update, now is possible.
Here is software that will also help you know the driver that needs an update and if there are updates available, you can update from that software. Iobit is the website that will help you. It’s completely trustworthy and has been serving the purpose for 17 years now.
Once you go to the website and click on free download, a 25 MB file will start downloading. Once downloaded, click on the file and install it. It is the same procedure that you do with any other software. You will then see an interface allowing you to scan the system. Once clicked, it will start scanning all the drivers. Once done, you will be notified about everything. You can also view the update history to find out the driver that needed to be updated.
Check Power Plan
An adequate power supply is needed to ensure that there is no issue with the internal hard drive. If there is a weak power supply, then your internal hard drive might keep connecting and disconnecting.
- For this, you need to go to the Windows search and go to the control panel from here.
- Then, shift the view of your control panel from whatever it already is to large icons
- Then go to the power options
- Click on the option on the left side “Change when the computer sleeps”
- Then go to “Change advanced power settings”
- Then under the hard disc option “Turn off hard disc” will be given, click on it.
- Set the time to “Never”
- Then apply the changes and click ok
If any of these options fail to work, there is a high chance that your internal hard drive is not being detected.
What to Do When Internal Hard Drive is Not Detected?
Sometimes, the windows operating system may need help to detect the internal hard disk. Ideally, you have to go to the computer, the internal hard disk will be visible. If the windows are not detecting it, then it won’t be shown here and that’s where the problem is.
So, you have to check how many internal hard drives are connected through CMD. You have to write “list disc” on CMD, and all the hard drives will be visible. The problem behind this is that the drive which keeps disconnecting or is not detected at all has not received any drive letter yet.
So, let’s assign that hard drive a drive letter.
- Right-Click on “This PC”
- Go to “Manage”
- Click on the “Disc Management”
- Scroll down
The hard drive will be shown and you will notice that there is no drive letter written beside it.
- Right-click on it
- Click on “Drive Letter and Path”
- Click on “Add”
- Then, you will see a drive letter already assigned to it, you can also change the drive letter
- Click “Ok”
Now, you will see that the drive is now being shown with other memory cards or external hard drives that may be connected.
Conclusion
Usually, the internal hard drive keeps disconnecting due to technical reasons. The above methods to resolve this issue are all tested and proven. So, make sure that you try all the methods by yourself to solve the problems. If the problem doesn’t get solved, then you may take your computer or laptop to the nearest computer shop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is My Internal Hard Drive Not Connecting?
Internal hard drive keeps disconnecting due to a variety of reasons, and the most common one is the one where your SATA cable is damaged. The other reason could be a problem with your power plan or your window drivers.
How to Stop My Internal Hard Drive From Disconnecting Time and Again?
You can solve the issue by ensuring that all the cables and connections are connected and that there is no weak power supply. Secondly, you can check that the hard drive is spinning. Thirdly, you can reboot the system, install drivers, or even try updating the windows to solve this problem. If everything fails, you may also check the power plan or run a troubleshooter.
How Do I Clean SATA Cable to Resolve Internal Hard Drive Issue?
You have to shut down the system and remove the power cable. Remove all the possible devices that are connected to the SATA cable at the time. Then, clean the SATA port with ethanol using a cotton stick gently.
