Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What basic troubleshooting steps can be taken if the server's ATA/IDE hard drive is not detected or recognized?

A: Use the following steps to troubleshoot an ATA/IDE hard drive that is not detected.
  1. Determine if the hard drive is recognized in the operating system.

  2. Determine if the BIOS Setup utility version supports the size of hard drive added to the computer. If the BIOS Setup utility does not support the drive size, try flashing the BIOS to a newer version that does support the size.

  3. Verify the IDE controller, that the hard drive is connected to, is enabled in the BIOS Setup Utility.

  4. Verify that the hard drive is recognized in the BIOS Setup utility.

  5. If the hard drive is recognized in the BIOS Setup utility, verify that the drive settings are correct.

  6. Check the jumper settings on the hard drive. Make sure that the drive is set correctly to either a master or slave setting.

  7. If the hard drive jumper setting is set for Cable Select, determine the appropriate setting and set the drive as either master or slave.

  8. Reseat both ends of the IDE cable connected to the hard drive.

  9. Disconnect the IDE cable from the hard drive and motherboard. Check for bent or broken pins at both the hard drive and motherboard. If there are no broken pins, verify cable orientation, and then reconnect the cable to the motherboard and hard drive.

  10. Verify that the hard drive is set up correctly, and then connect the drive to the other IDE controller on the motherboard.

  11. Try connecting a different power cable to the hard drive.

  12. If possible, try the hard drive in another computer.