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Windows 11 cannot find my second drive after waking up from sleep

Anonymous
2022-04-17T15:22:04+00:00

This is a brand new built PC, and I've already installed Windows 11 twice, but the problem persists. Upon waking up from sleep mode, Windows cannot find my second drive (assigned letter D), disk management will not open (shows an error when I try), and device manager doesn't see it. In order to fix this problem, I must restart my computer every time.

This only happens when the computer comes back from sleep mode. If I put it into hibernate, it doesn't happen. When I restart it, everything is as normal. UEFI always sees the drive. Of course, it's irritating to have to restart the PC every time it comes back from sleep mode.

I've tried setting my hard drive to be put to sleep later than Windows (setting it at 60, 90, and 120 minutes), and it doesn't work; 30 minutes later, when the PC goes to sleep and wakes up prior to when the hard drive should be out, the drive is still not found. As mentioned above, I've also reinstalled Windows 11 with a fresh install, and it hasn't fixed the issue.

Here are my PC's specs:

CPU: Intel i7-12700K

Cooler: Cooler Master ML120L V2 RGB

RAM: OLOy Warhawk 2x16GB DDR4-3600 RGB

MB: MSI Z690-A Pro WiFi DDR4

GPU: None at this time (waiting for prices to drop)

Primary Drive (C): WD Black SN850 1TB M.2 SSD

Secondary Drive (D): Toshiba X300 10TB HDD (this is the one Windows can't find when it wakes up from sleep)

Optical Drive (E): LG WH16NS40 BL-RW

OS: Windows 11 Pro 64-bit

PSU: EVGA G6 850W

Case: Antec DP502 Flux

Thanks in advance for your help.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Sleep and Power on, off

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-04-21T08:46:49+00:00

    It's not the motherboard. I switched the motherboard, reinstalled Windows 11 again, and the problem persists. I really think this is a Windows issue. Why is it that the drive can be found when Windows restarts or comes back from hibernation but not when it comes back from sleep?

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-04-21T16:13:32+00:00

    No, it’s not that I don’t like your answers, Igor. I’m simply frustrated that rebuilding my entire system with an entirely new motherboard wasn’t enough to solve a basic issue.

    Currently, I’m trying to see if it’s the RAM. In the meantime, I’ve changed my Windows settings to let the computer hibernate only and not sleep.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-04-22T05:13:43+00:00

    HI DB. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded MVP, here to help you.

    1. Test the hard drive or SSD with diagnostics:

    https://www.lifewire.com/free-hard-drive-testin...

    https://mashtips.com/ssd-health-test-and-perfor...

    Best is to use the HDD/SSD manufacturer's own if there is one, otherwise use Seatools bootable long test: http://blog.nowherelan.com/2013/04/04/boot-seat...

    Follow this up with a full Disk Check from the Command Prompt in Repair Mode or from bootable media:

    https://allthings.how/how-to-run-chkdsk-in-wind...

    1. Test the RAM overnight to stress it with the best bootable test memtest86, following this guide to test both sticks and slots:

    https://forums.tomshardware.com/faq/how-to-test...

    Run Crucial System Scanner to check the RAM is properly spec'd and configured: https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/systemscanner?cm...

    1. Stress test the rest of your hardware:

    https://techguided.com/best-tools-to-stress-tes...

    Go over WIndows 11 with this checklist to find and fix problems:

    1. Update your drivers from the PC maker's Support Downloads webpage for your exact model. While there check for the latest Chipset, BIOS, Sound, Network, USB3, Bluetooth and all other drivers to compare with the version/date installled for that device in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.

    If the drivers are not present or not working for Facial Recognition or Fingerprint then contact your PC manufacturer's Support.

    1. Expedite install of all Windows Updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates, including needed restarts, then go back to check again until no more are offered.

    Then go into Microsoft Store app > My Library > Get Updates and expedite all Store app Updates, too, until no more are offered.

    1. Establish a Clean Boot to turn off Startup Freeloaders that can conflict and cause issues:

    https://www.makeuseof.com/clean-boot-windows-11/

    1. Run System File Checker/DISM in WIndows 11:

    https://www.elevenforum.com/t/use-system-file-c...

    1. If that doesn't fix it then you can do a Windows 11 Repair Upgrade which reinstalls Windows while saving your files and apps in place, brings it up to the latest version by the most stable method, takes about an hour and resolves most problems: https://www.elevenforum.com/t/repair-install-wi...
    2. Compare the install you did with this gold standard Clean Install of Windows which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, has zero reported problems, and is better than any amount of money could buy: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki... Note the driver steps are so important they are printed in red.

    The reason I ask you to do this is because no one of millions who have followed the install in that link has ever come back to report problems that I have seen. It is also a great learning experience that will make you permanently the master of your PC because you will learn what works best and have applied it with your own hands.

    Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

    ______________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-04-17T18:01:33+00:00

    Hi, Igor! Thanks for helping. Yes, I have the latest BIOS version (downloaded and updated directly through MSI). What should I be looking for in Event Viewer? Please be specific, as I'm not familiar with the program.

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  5. Igor Leyko 111K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-04-17T16:30:15+00:00

    Hi,

    My name is Igor, I have 12 Microsoft MVP awards. It's a pleasure for me to help others and I'll do all my best to help you. I'm sorry you have a problems.

    Do you have a latest BIOS version?

    Please check system journal (Event Viewer) for possible errors at these moments. DistributedCOM errors should be ignored.

    Or save system journal to evtx file and share it to OneDrive for analysis.

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