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November 25th, 2024 18:19
Aurora R13, HDD not shown after clean install of Windows 11
Alienware Aurora R13
I performed a clean install on my R13 desktop a few days ago. The install was problematic because I learned I needed to switch from RAID to ACHI in the bios in order for the installation to show me where I could install Windows. I haven't changed the switch and now I have C Drive (OS) and D Drive the former RAID drive which I've formatted in the meantime.
My issue is I have a hard drive that came with the PC, 7.2TB that I backed up all my files. I can't see that drive anymore. And I don't see any Windows utilities to help me. I looked at some Dell KB videos but evidently, I haven't found the right one.
So how do I fix this?
Thanks,
Greg
PS: I would have submitted a service request but the one I opened the day I was trying to reinstall Windows is still open, I'm waiting for Support to close it. And yes, I did tell them that issue from before is resolved.
redxps630
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November 25th, 2024 18:32
Re: I haven't changed the switch
If you still have RAID on, clean install is not going to show you the hdd.
I assume you have three physical drives: two m.2 ssd one hdd
to be safe temporarily disconnect sata data cable from hdd
change to AHCI. save change in bios. do a clean install on ssd#1 meaning click advanced install then delete all old partition on ssd#1. While you are at it also delete all old partition on ssd#2. now both ssd #1 n 2 should say unallocated only. proceed to install on ssd#1. when done boot up you should see in Windows only C: drive which is ssd#1. Go into disk mgmt to initialize (create single new volume) and format ssd#2. after that ssd#2 will show up as empty D: drive. Now you can power off and reconnect sata data cable to hdd. Power on again and hope you will now see a E: drive which is the 7TB hdd.
gzt7d8gs
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November 25th, 2024 18:38
@redxps630 so yes 3 Physical hard drives as you noted.
Currently the bios switch is set to AHCI.
So you are telling me I can't make that hard drive visible without going through the clean install again for the 2nd time?
Please confirm. Such a pain.
Greg
Vanadiel
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November 25th, 2024 18:50
@gzt7d8gs Before you do anything open disk manager and verify all 3 drives are visible.
Windows disk manager
You should be able to see all your connected storage devices, and their status. If your HDD is missing, it's a cabling/power issue.
If it asks you to initialize a disk, don't.
(edited)
redxps630
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November 25th, 2024 18:56
A clean install is super fast in R13 takes 15 min only. RAID is a pain to work on. Start your install then walk away n get a drink it will be done when u r back.
the pain you apprehend is more a fear before you do than the actual do it process.
gzt7d8gs
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November 25th, 2024 19:03
@Vanadiel
The drive was visible before the reinstall 2 days ago. And no it is not shown in Disk Manager, thus the reason for my post.
I'm going to try suggestion from a previous post before I contact support.
Thanks for your reply.
redxps630
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November 25th, 2024 19:43
Actually you could switch to AHCI then apply safe boot tricks without need to do a clean install. Try this and hope the hdd shows up.
https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/optiplex-desktops/how-to-safe-boot-after-changing-from-raid-to-ahci/6716d53eb33994192335c92c?keyword=AHCi
gzt7d8gs
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November 25th, 2024 20:52
@redxps630
There is bad news and more bad news.
I disconnected "what I thought was" the 7.2TB drive but turns out it is just another 1TB drive. So where in the heck is this drive? Here is a picture of the panel open. The upper right corner is the drive I took out, see that picture too. OBTW, when I reconnected it and rebooted I can see it as drive D but it wants a 48 key to unlock it.
Is the drive on the other side of the mother board?
Signed,
Completely frustrated.
Vanadiel
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November 25th, 2024 21:00
I think you are confusing TB with RPM. It's a 1 TB, 7200 RPM drive.
I was wondering in your original post why you called it a 7.2TB drive, because that is an odd size.
redxps630
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November 25th, 2024 21:01
RAID is causing confusion. you actually have only one M.2 ssd installed underneath the gpu. you also have 1 TB Dell hdd, which is standard configuration.
bad news that the 1 TB hdd D drive needs a key to unlock.
are you currently booting in AHCI mode?
(edited)
gzt7d8gs
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November 25th, 2024 21:03
Yep your are right, I just pulled the original specs. So I gather I lost my data on that drive.
Correct?
redxps630
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November 25th, 2024 21:03
how to find your 48 bitlocker key
Find your BitLocker recovery key - Microsoft Support
gzt7d8gs
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November 25th, 2024 21:05
@redxps630
Yes booting to ACHI. But I suspect the data is gone now.
Vanadiel
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November 25th, 2024 21:05
48 key means you have the drive encrypted with bit locker. It does not ship with bitlocker enabled.
Bitlocker.
redxps630
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November 25th, 2024 21:09
The Seagate HDD ST1000DM010 you have may be an SED
Self-Encrypting Drives (SED) are automatically encrypted by BitLocker in Windows 10 1709 and higher. September 24, 2019—KB4516071 (OS Build 16299.1420) (Microsoft.com)![This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.]( "This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.")
barracuda-3.5-ds.pdf
Automatic BitLocker Device Encryption for Dell Computers | Dell US
gzt7d8gs
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November 25th, 2024 21:19
@Vanadiel
Found the key unlocked the drive...data gone.
Glad I backed it up on an external hard drive before the installation.
Just call me school of hard knocks. Valuable lesson today.