Windows 10 Cannot boot with 2nd HD plugged in. POST Windows 10 re-install

[zx96r]

Hello,

Summary of problem: After re-installing Windows 10 on my SSD, I have to have my 2nd HDD unplugged to get it to boot to windows. As a test step, I did configure the HDD SATA port for hot swap mode. This does allow me to boot the computer with only the SSD plugged in and once it boots, I plug in the HDD. HDD work just fine and all data is there.

During the re-install of windows, I am pretty sure I had the HDD unplugged, but not 100% sure.

Below is a screen shot of the Boot Manager.

Below is a screen shot of Disk Manager:

PC Details:
SSD: Qty1 , SanDisk 250GB Ultra II
HDD: Qty1, Seagate Barracuda 2TB
Mother Board: Asus Prime B350-Plus
OS: Windows 10 64 bit

Other Notes:

1. Before I did this re-install, the SSD had two partitions from the factory. I dont remember details but I had to delete both partitions to re-install windows.
2. When I try to boot the computer with both HDs plugged in, the SSD doesn't show up in the bios boot menu (although I have a couple of time gotten it to show up if a remove power from Motherboard). I cannot get it to boot from SSD if HDD is plugged in.

Please let me know if any additional details would help.

 

[Neemobeer]

During a typical Windows install the installer will create at least 2 partitions, so either you did some kind of custom install.

• Is your system configured to boot legacy (MBR) or UFI (GPT)?
• Was Windows installed on the second drive?
• If yes, is any of the install still intact on the second drive?
• Which sata connectors are each drive plugged into on the motherboard?

 

[Neemobeer]

Actually looking back at your screenshots because it shows winload.exe that would indicate you're booting legacy (MBR). It's possible you have a lingering MBR record on the other hard drive and that drive may be on a lower number sata connector, so Windows is trying to read the boot loader. You could delete the boot loader or try reordering the boot order in the firmware.

 

[zx96r]

• Is your system configured to boot legacy (MBR) or UFI (GPT)?
• Was Windows installed on the second drive?
  • Never installed windows on this second drive
• If yes, is any of the install still intact on the second drive?
• Which sata connectors are each drive plugged into on the motherboard?
  • The SSD (C:/ drive) is on SATA port 1.
  • The HDD is currently on SATA port 2 but I have tried it port 5 but no impact.

Since windows did not create 2 partitions on the SSD, maybe I did something wrong during the install. Should I wipe the HDD or maybe try re-install windows on SSD?

Would I have a lingering MBR record on the HDD if i never installed windows on that drive?

Thanks for your help Neemobeer.

 

[zx96r]

reinstalled windows, that fixed it. now partitions where correctly created and can boot with both HDs plugged in