Barracuda XT, Barracuda, Barracuda Green, DiamondMax and other desktop SATA and IDE drives

[CaBigskyGuy]

I have this 1T ST31000340AS  internally installed on a Gateway Tower running Vista.  It's worked great for long time - a year at least.  When running Windows command "compmgmt.msc" I can see the drive.  Windows reports the drive is functioning properly, but if I click on the drive to get to folders (which appear to be there, and drive % space used looks right)  I get the Windows dysfunction beep and the message "The Device Is Not Connected".

Any ideas?  I have been considering pulling it out and mounting it in an external USB case and trying to run it that way, but it will be a big mess to do and I am not sure it will work. 

I am feeling relatively OK that my data is still there, but considering how much stuff I have on it, I am getting nervous...  

Thanks in advance.  

[myforum · Accepted solution]

Since "It's worked great for long time - a year at least", now, suddenly, it starts acting up. It's believed there might be nothing wrong with your HDD. It's just something weird with the way Windows Vista "misbehaves".

Here are something to try:

1) Use the System Restore to restore your computer to the point prior to what just happened if possible

2) Reinstalled SATA drivers from the mobo CD or go to Gateway website

3) If none of the above helps, just follow your initial plan to back up your data FIRST:

"I have been considering pulling it out and mounting it in an external USB case and trying to run it that way,"

(USB drive is NOT BOOTABLE!) by using a temporary adapter similar to one of these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100017740&IsNodeId=1&Description=sata%20...

Later on, if you decide to use your HD as a permanent external USB drive, you can pick one of these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100017781&IsNodeId=1&Description=sata%20...

These two solutions are the simplest and easiest DIY ever! There will be no mess at all!!!

Good Luck!

[Cantbecanit]

I'd check the connections and cables first mate, then look at updating my chipset drivers, hth.

[CaBigskyGuy]

Thank you gentlemen.  I followed up on both of your recommendations - starting with rattling around with connectivity, but with this being a internal slave drive, short of breaking the box open (and the back of my PC is a cable nightmare right now) There was not much for me to check.  

THIS is the one that did the trick:

"2) Reinstalled SATA drivers from the mobo CD or go to Gateway website"

Very easily, I got my SATA drivers from Gateway.  A simple process of me telling them what hardware I have.  Files are all there - whew.....    

:-)

[Cantbecanit]

Chipset driver then

Thx for dropping back to say so, it really does help a lot when the solution is posted.

[myforum]

Congrats!!!

I'm so glad that my recommendations helped and you were able to resolve the issue quickly and easily!

Well done!!!