Computer will not boot after adding second HDD

I added a new HDD to my desktop. My computer started fine, but did not pick up the new HDD, so I restarted my computer. However, it did not boot. I disconnected the new HDD, but it is still not booting. I keep coming to this screen.


I tried solving the issue using Command Prompt and System Restore, but they all resulted in errors. I made sure everything was connected properly. Does anyone know how I can troubleshoot this?

Caledon Ken said:

Hi OneT2112

Please plug your other HDD back in and try rebooting.

If it boots please post a screen shot using these directions.

Disk Management - How to Post a Screenshot of

Also update your specs, what machine is this.

Do you know if you were booting UEFI or Legacy.

I tried plugging the second HDD back in, but I got the same error as seen above.

I am currently using an MSI B150M BAZOOKA motherboard with a 1TB WD Black HDD (primary) and 1TB WD Blue (secondary).

Last time I checked, I am using UEFI booting.

Brink said:

Hello OneT2112,

If you click on Advanced Options in your screenshot, do you have a continue on to Windows 10 option to click on to finish startup?

Yes. I tried that, but it gets me back to the same screen as in the screenshot above.

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So is no one going to help me?

Hi there

@OneT2112

I'm sure it's a hardware problem but probably totally fixeable.

I suspect it's actually more like a bad connection

Check carefully the cable work attaching HDD's to the enclosures and also ensure the HDD's are seated into the enclosures securely and properly. Bad connections will usually render a computer non bootable --- I've tinkered around enough with bits of Motherboards and other components to have experienced loads of these types of faults in my time. !!!!!

Another check is remove every removable component apart from the CPU and a keyboard with monitor and see if you get a boot bios diagnostic --you should see 0K Memory installed. Now add back memory chips -- boot again and then the HDD's one by one.

If HDD's really have a problem then it's HDD's - but two HDD's breaking at exactly the same time is really incredibly unlikely.

You can also download a Linux live iso if you have access to another computer -- even if you don't know Linux at all you can just boot it and if you see the boot splash screen then you know the MOBO is OK and you've narrowed the problem to the HDD's. I really suspect that the SATA to MOBO cables aren't properly connected or the HDD's not seated into their enclosures properly.

If the BIOS itself recognizes the HDD's then you are back in business even if you have to re-install the OS. The BIOS should recognize HDD's whatever format (or even none) they have or whatever file system is on them.

Cheers
jimbo

jimbo45 said:

Hi there

@OneT2112

I'm sure it's a hardware problem but probably totally fixeable.

I suspect it's actually more like a bad connection

Check carefully the cable work attaching HDD's to the enclosures and also ensure the HDD's are seated into the enclosures securely and properly. Bad connections will usually render a computer non bootable --- I've tinkered around enough with bits of Motherboards and other components to have experienced loads of these types of faults in my time. !!!!!

Another check is remove every removable component apart from the CPU and a keyboard with monitor and see if you get a boot bios diagnostic --you should see 0K Memory installed. Now add back memory chips -- boot again and then the HDD's one by one.

If HDD's really have a problem then it's HDD's - but two HDD's breaking at exactly the same time is really incredibly unlikely.

You can also download a Linux live iso if you have access to another computer -- even if you don't know Linux at all you can just boot it and if you see the boot splash screen then you know the MOBO is OK and you've narrowed the problem to the HDD's. I really suspect that the SATA to MOBO cables aren't properly connected or the HDD's not seated into their enclosures properly.

If the BIOS itself recognizes the HDD's then you are back in business even if you have to re-install the OS. The BIOS should recognize HDD's whatever format (or even none) they have or whatever file system is on them.

Cheers
jimbo

I did as you said. When I have my primary WD Black plugged in only, it either stays on the motherboard menu forever or it shows this message:



I assume my HDD is just broken at this point.

As for the WD Blue, the computer does not recognize it. I get a black screen saying "Please insert memory" or something along those lines.

When I go into BIOS, my WD Black is recognized and is prioritized when booting. So what I don't understand is that how can my computer need to be repaired but also recognize the HDD.

I am currently downloading the file that Ken has sent me. If that doesn't work, then I'm going to see help elsewhere.

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Caledon Ken said:

Please create this boot disk and post disk management shot.

I do like Jim's idea, check all cable connections.

Downloads - Win14393PESE-X64 - ToolsLib

If download does not work please advise.

I downloaded the file on to a USB and tried to boot my computer using it. However, I got this message:

I believe your MBR (master boot record) is corrupt. You will need a recovery DVD or USB and you will need to rebuild the MBR. Just use the old HDD for now until you get Windows to boot again.