PC fails to start from the SSD when the old HDD is connected. It works properly once the HDD is removed.

F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop PC fails to start from the SSD when the old HDD is connected. It works properly once the HDD is removed.

TheBlueSkill3r
Member

147

12-27-2025, 08:50 PM

I'm trying to retrieve information from a previous hard drive but when I connect it to my computer through SATA, the system won't start. Removing it again allows it to boot properly. I've verified the BIOS settings, which list it correctly. A note: the drive appears to have an outdated Windows version—possibly Vista—which might be causing issues.

TheBlueSkill3r

12-27-2025, 08:50 PM #1

Pikachulover9
Member

12-28-2025, 05:35 AM

Ensure the SSD is set to boot before the hard drive in the BIOS settings.

Pikachulover9

12-28-2025, 05:35 AM #2

Ensure the SSD is set to boot before the hard drive in the BIOS settings.

KawiianMili
Posting Freak

786

12-28-2025, 06:23 AM

I confirmed the steps. I used the boot override menu multiple times and still couldn't select the SSD. The system displays the motherboard splash screen with only a loading animation.

KawiianMili

12-28-2025, 06:23 AM #3

I confirmed the steps. I used the boot override menu multiple times and still couldn't select the SSD. The system displays the motherboard splash screen with only a loading animation.

TheSimple
Member

229

01-01-2026, 06:13 AM

70587898666_285A53D7-3E30-4EB0-8639-5C7A1FA872E9.mov

TheSimple

01-01-2026, 06:13 AM #4

70587898666_285A53D7-3E30-4EB0-8639-5C7A1FA872E9.mov

RizapS
Member

135

01-02-2026, 12:56 AM

Link it to an external enclosure once Windows starts, then organize the contents before reinstalling it normally.

RizapS

01-02-2026, 12:56 AM #5

Link it to an external enclosure once Windows starts, then organize the contents before reinstalling it normally.

supertom777
Member

01-02-2026, 02:19 AM

Some systems may skip certain SATA ports when an M.2 device is active.

supertom777

01-02-2026, 02:19 AM #6

Some systems may skip certain SATA ports when an M.2 device is active.

philik
Junior Member

01-04-2026, 04:37 PM

You can use special software to retrieve files, or they may appear automatically depending on the system settings.

philik

01-04-2026, 04:37 PM #7

You can use special software to retrieve files, or they may appear automatically depending on the system settings.

WD_Trashster
Senior Member

454

01-12-2026, 03:07 PM

Begin with a letter. Ensure it appears after the system fully boots. Edited May 17, 2023 by Godlygamer23

WD_Trashster

01-12-2026, 03:07 PM #8

Begin with a letter. Ensure it appears after the system fully boots. Edited May 17, 2023 by Godlygamer23

Redstoner137
Posting Freak

811

01-24-2026, 09:43 PM

SATA drives support hot-plugging. You can start with Windows and then connect the HDD afterward. Ensure the hot-swap or plug settings are activated in BIOS.

Redstoner137

01-24-2026, 09:43 PM #9

SATA drives support hot-plugging. You can start with Windows and then connect the HDD afterward. Ensure the hot-swap or plug settings are activated in BIOS.