Problem with SSD showing in file explorer but not disk management.

Question

Recently I had a bug that prevent file explorer from auto refreshing and cause a lot of slow down in file explorer itself. I follow every tutorial I could find online to fix the issue without success.

I then decided to reinstall windows without deleting the data. It fix the problem but created a new one.

I had 2 SSD of 1TB. The first one I allocated a partition of 256GB for C: then create a partition with what was left call ''S: Storage'' The second SSD was name ''D: Jeux''. This was done when I bought the PC back in December 2024.

Now after the reinstall, windows have a couple bug like can't pin anything on the taskbar per example but the big problem is that I can see the D: drive and the C: drive with 256GB allocated in file explorer but there's not trace of the S: drive in file explorer. When I go to disk management only the D: drive show up, same for device management and in the command prompt.

I have manage to recover 99% of the content that was in the S: drive with a file recovery program and put it on my D: drive.

Now I'm planning to remove physically my D: drive from the laptop and do a factory reset of the PC.

Do anybody have a idea why it's happening and what to do?

Laptop is a MSI VECTOR 16 HX A13VHG with the factory 1 TB SSD being the one that I have issue with.

Answer 1

Hello!

I recommend doing a clean install of Windows instead of a Restore.

Factory Reset uses the system itself to reinstall Windows, and this may cause some issues if your system is not stable.

Some errors may persist or worsen after a Factory Reset. That's why you had problems after the restore. Perform a clean install, as it's safer.

But one of the disk's partitions may be corrupted, and you'll need to wipe the entire disk. If you perform a clean install, partitions C and S will be wiped (recommended). Since the data is on partition D, you'll keep your data intact. Just be careful not to erase D:.

Create Installation Media

1. To create an Installation Media, you will need the following items:

• A Flash Drive ("Pen Drive") of 8GB or more.
• Another computer with internet access. ATTENTION: Back up the files on your Flash Drive to a safe location, as the Flash Drive will be formatted.

2. Download the Media Creation Tools from the link below.

Windows 11 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11?msockid=3590798658a5614e31406dbf59bb60ff

Windows 10 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10?msockid=3590798658a5614e31406dbf59bb60ff

3. Open Media Creation Tools > In the Permission Window, select "Yes".
4. Accept the Terms > In the next window, check the option "Create installation media (USB Flash Drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC" > Continue.
5. Under "Choose how the media will be used", select the "USB Flash Drive" option > Select the Flash Drive > Next.
6. Wait for the Installation Media to be made.

Entering Recovery Mode (WinRE)

1. Connect the Installation Media to the PC that is not working properly.
2. Access your PC's BIOS and check if the boot order is correct.

• When turning on the PC, press the F2 key repeatedly until you access the BIOS. Also try the DELETE/DEL, F10, F8, ESC or F4 keys.
• Enter advanced mode (F7 key) > Go to the Boot > Boot Order option > Place the "UEFI: <Make and Model of Installation Media>" option first.
• If you have doubts about which device you should put in First Place (#1), take pictures of the Boot tab and attach them to this topic.
• Save and exit (F10 key) > Yes.

3. When you get to the Language and Keyboard Layout Selection screen, click Next > Install Now > If you do not have your Windows Key at the moment, click "I do not have a Product Key".
4. If the Operating System selection options appear, choose the edition that came with your Windows originally > Next.

• Home user is usually Windows Home or Windows Home Single Language.
• If you are in doubt, select Home. If your Windows is Windows Pro, you can upgrade using your Activation Key.

5. Accept the Terms > Next > Choose the option "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)". ATTENTION: In the next step, do not click DELETE and FORMAT on the partitions to avoid losing your data.
6. In the Type column, see which Drive has the System Type > Select the Drive with the largest amount of storage (usually the System Partition), or with the Name Local Disk C > Wait for Windows to install.

• You will be informed that there is installation on the partition, ignore it and confirm.
• Take a picture and attach it to the topic if you don't know.

7. When you get to the User Configuration screen, personalize your Windows, enter your Microsoft Account and proceed to finish the installation.
8. When Windows starts, open File Explorer (WINDOWS + E) > This PC > Local Disk C > Windows.old > Users > Name of your old user account -> Open all folders and copy your personal files.

Update Windows and Drivers When Windows starts, install the drivers and updates through Windows Update. Do not use third-party programs, as this may damage your PC. Use only Windows Update or the Manufacturer's Website.

1. Open System Settings > Click on ''Update & Security'' > ''Windows Update'' > ''Check for updates''.
2. Download all available updates. Click on ''Show optional updates'' marked in blue > Select all drivers and updates > Click on ''Download and Install''.
3. When everything is finished, restart your computer > See if the problem will appear while performing the above steps.