Drive OK, But Light Stays On


Tutorial Home >Hardware >Storage and Drives >Hard Drives >How do I find out what to do if the drive is okay, but the light stays on?
Tutorial Home >Hardware >Storage and Drives >Hard Drives >Hard Drives: Serious Errors >Drive OK, But Light Stays On

  Step 1:  Check Drive Documentation

Check the drive documentation to see if it references something called "light jumpers" and where they are located.
  Step 2:  Open the Case

Open a Report
Shut down the PC (if necessary), turn it off, disconnect the power, and remove the cover. Ground yourself before placing your hands inside the case.
  Step 3:  Check the Cables

Open a Report
Check the ribbon cable running from the motherboard to the back of the hard drive. Make sure it's firmly connected. If it shows any signs of damage, replace it. If you have another cable available, this would be a good time to try it, regardless of whether the original one shows wear. Also check for the light jumpers you looked for in the documentation. Follow any instructions provided in the documentation to reset them.
  Step 4:  Replace and Retry

Open a Report
Replace the PC cover, reconnect the power, turn the PC on, and see how the PC boots, and the drive light behaves. If the problem continues and you didn't try a different ribbon cable as indicated in the previous step, try that. If the problem continues after you replace the cable, contact the drive manufacturer.