How To Fix Internal Hard Disk Detected But Not Accessible?

Summary: To fix an internal hard disk detected but not accessible, you can try any of the methods below. Or you can use Stellar Data Recovery software or our professional data recovery services to recover data when an internal hard drive detected but not accessible. Get FREE Quote

Sometimes, your computer might show that your internal hard drive is there. But when you try to access it, you can’t actually get to your files.

This can be really frustrating.

The worst part? This issue can even lead to losing important data.

The good news, however, is that it is fixable. There are different reasons why it happens and based on what is causing the issue, it is possible to resolve it.

In this blog, we will walk you through:

1. Causes Of Internal Hard Disk Detected But Not Accessible
2. How To Fix Internal Hard Disk Detected But Not Accessible
3. Ways To Retrieve Data When Internal Hard Drive Is Detected But Not Accessible
4. Case Study: Recover Data From an Inaccessible Hard Drive
5. Answers To FAQs

Causes Of Internal Hard Disk Detected But Not Accessible

There are several reasons why you are seeing the internal hard disk detected but not accessible issue.

Some of them are explained below:

Cause	Explanation
File System Corruption	Damaged or corrupted file systems make it impossible to read file structures correctly.
Bad Sectors or Disk Damage	Physical damage or bad sectors make portions of the hard drive unreadable.
Disk Errors or Disk Full	Errors or a full hard drive can disrupt data access. That's because the operating system may struggle to write or retrieve information.
Faulty Data or Cable Connections	Poor connections between the hard drive and the motherboard can disrupt data transfer.
Virus or Malware Infections	Malware can encrypt or lock files, rendering them inaccessible for security reasons and thwarting data theft or manipulation.
Disk Password or Encryption	Encrypted drives or password protection require the correct credentials for access.
Operating System Issues	Problems with the operating system can cause difficulty accessing the hard drive due to issues like unrecognizable file systems or driver problems.
Permission or Ownership Settings	Incorrect permissions can restrict access, preventing data access due to inadequate privileges or incorrect ownership settings.
Internal Hard Drive Failure	Hardware issues, like a malfunctioning read/write head or controller board, can result in improper hard drive function.
Data Corruption	Data corruption within files or the filesystem can make files unreadable or result in data loss, causing data inaccessibility.

Based on what issue is causing the internal hard disk detected but not accessible issue, you can choose from the fixes mentioned below.

Additional Reading: Fix Internal Hard Drive Not Detected

How To Fix ‘Internal Hard Disk Detected But Not Accessible’ Issue?

Method 1: Change Drive Ownership

At times, encountering an error message stating that a drive is inaccessible may signal the necessity of adjusting the owner status within the Windows operating system.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Begin by right-clicking on the inaccessible hard drive, then select the “Properties” option.

2. Navigate to “Security” > “Advanced“

3. Modify the ownership settings for the specific account on the “Owner” tab.

Method 2: Check And Repair File System

If file system issues are preventing access to the hard drive, you should check and repair it using these steps.

• Press “Windows Key + X” and select “Windows Powershell (Admin)“.
• In the Windows Powershell window, type “chkdsk /f [drive letter]:” (e.g., “chkdsk /f E:”) and press Enter.

• If there are issues, a message will ask if you want to schedule the disk check for the next restart. Type “Y” and press Enter.
• Restart your computer, and Windows will check and repair the file system during boot.

Method 3. Check Disk Errors

1. Open “This PC” (or “My Computer”) and right-click on the problematic hard drive.
2. Select “Properties“, go to the “Tools” tab, and click “Check” under the Error Checking section.

3. If there are issues, a dialog box will appear; select “Scan and repair drive“.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to fix any errors detected during the scan.

Method 4. Reconnect And Replace Cables

Sometimes the resolution to internal hard disk detected but not accessible issues is as simple as reconnecting or replacing the cables. If you notice damaged cables, replace them with new, functioning ones.

But remember: Power off your computer and unplug it from the electrical outlet before disconnecting any cables.

Method 5. Remove Malware Or Viruses

Malware or viruses can encrypt or lock files, making them inaccessible. Run a full system scan using reliable antivirus software.

Then follow the software’s instructions to quarantine or remove any detected malware or viruses.

Method 6: Change Drive Letter For Internal Hard Disk Detected But Not Accessible

Changing the drive letter can resolve accessibility issues related to conflicting drive letter assignments.

1. Press “Windows Key + X” and select “Disk Management” from the menu.

2. Locate the inaccessible drive. It will be labeled with its current drive letter (e.g., “D:” or “E:”).
3. Right-click on the drive you want to change the letter for and select “Change Drive Letter and Paths“.

4. In the “Change Drive Letter and Paths” window, click “Change“.

5. Choose an available drive letter from the drop-down menu, or click “Add” to assign a new, unused drive letter. Make sure it does not conflict with existing drive letters.
6. Click “OK” to confirm the change. You may receive a warning that programs or shortcuts relying on the drive letter may not work correctly; proceed if you’re sure about the change.

Windows will adjust the drive letter, and you should now be able to access the drive under its new letter.

What If Nothing Can Solve Your ‘Internal Hard Drive Is Detected But Not Accessible’ Issue?

If none of the issues fix your internal hard disk detected but not accessible issue, you might be world about losing your data.

All’s not lost yet.

Even if the drive isn’t accessible, data recovery is possible.

The best way to recover data when an internal hard drive detected but not accessible is to…

1. Use Data Recovery Software (in case of logical failure of the hard drive)

Reliable software, like Stellar Data Recovery software, is effective for retrieving data. Even from an inaccessible hard drive due to file system corruption or errors.

However, in many cases, the cause of the problem is physical.

2. Use Data Recovery Service (in case of physical failure of the hard drive)

When an internal hard disk is detected but not accessible, physical issues might be the culprit.

Unlike software-related problems, these physical damages typically cannot be fixed with software tools.

Here are key physical causes:

1. Physical Trauma: Drops or impacts can harm the disk’s internal parts.
2. Wear and Tear: Continuous use can degrade the mechanical parts over time.
3. Faulty Read/Write Heads: Damaged or misaligned heads hinder data access.
4. Platter Damage: Even minor scratches can render data unreadable.
5. Motor Failure: If the motor doesn’t spin the platters, data access is blocked.
6. Firmware Issues: Corruption in the hard drive’s firmware can prevent data retrieval.
7. Overheating: Excessive heat can damage the disk’s components.
8. Contamination: Even minute particles entering a hard disk can cause disruptions.
9. Electrical Surges: Sudden power spikes can harm the drive’s electronics.

If you encounter these issues, software recovery won’t suffice.

Instead, professional data recovery services with specialized environments, like cleanrooms, are necessary.

Avoid DIY fixes for physical damages to prevent further data loss. Always consult professionals for the best chance at data retrieval.

Consider contacting our professionals at Stellar Data Recovery Service.

Our hard drive data recovery services are the best in class as we:

• Ensure 100% data privacy
• Have Class 100 Clean Rooms
• Have a No-Recovery-No-Charge policy.

Request your free hard drive data recovery quote today.

Case Study: Recover Data From an Inaccessible Hard Drive

Client: An Individual

Goal: To recover data from an inaccessible Hard Drive.

Client’s Problem: The client had trouble accessing data on their system. Their 2 TB hard drive with data from 7 cameras was formatted, causing issues.

Stellar Data Recovery Steps: Stellar Data Recovery got involved and found:

• The hard drive was formatted which led the client to face issues.
• The 2 TB hard drive had a few bad sectors as well.

How They Tackled It: Stellar Data Recovery did some clever tricks:

• They created an image, even with the bad sectors, because it was a DVR case.
• They did hands-on work to recover all the client’s needed data.

Client’s Feedback: The client was thrilled because Stellar Data Recovery successfully got back the required data, especially the 7 cameras’ data.

In a Nutshell: Stellar Data Recovery solved the client’s data trouble, proving their skill in handling tricky cases and leaving clients satisfied.

FAQs

1. Can formatting the inaccessible drive help fix the issue?

Formatting should be the last resort, as it erases all data on the drive.

Try other methods first, as formatting will make the recovery of data when an internal hard drive detected but not accessible harder.

If the data is not essential and you’re certain that the drive’s file system is causing the internal hard disk detected but not accessible, you can consider formatting it.

2. Can I use a different computer to access my inaccessible hard drive?

Yes, you can connect the problematic hard drive to another computer as a secondary drive. If the issue is due to the computer configuration or software, this can help you access and recover the data.

3. How can I prevent data loss from inaccessible hard drives in the future?

If you want to avoid having to worry about the recovery of data when an internal hard drive detected but not accessible, you should:

• Regularly back up your data to an external storage device or cloud storage
• Additionally, monitor your hard drive’s health. You can use tools like SMART diagnostics.
• And replace failing drives promptly.

These precautions will prevent internal hard disk detected but not accessible issues.

Additional Reading: Fix External Hard Disk not Detected in Windows