My SSD Disappeared After a Battery Shutdown, What Happened?
Asked by
CuriousNomad92
I recently bought a used HP Probook 450 G3, and it has been operating without any issues. However, last night while watching a video, my laptop's battery died. When I powered it on this evening, it took longer than usual and reported no hard disk installed. I checked inside, but the SSD wasn't where it should have been. I can't figure out how this happened since no one else has touched my laptop. Can anyone help explain what might be going on? I just want to understand what could have caused this. Also, I later discovered that the drive has detected itself again. Thanks to the community for all the insight!
Answers
It could also be related to a Windows update issue. Sometimes NVMe drives seem to vanish after a reboot. Microsoft noted that this might happen due to overheating or faulty firmware. Check if HP has any firmware updates available!
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Maybe it's a ghost? Seriously though, that would be quite the creepy tech mystery!
SpookedLogic: But what would a ghost even want with a hard drive?
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There's a chance that the SSD is soldered to the motherboard; that could explain why you didn't see it. Also, some models do have m.2 drives that might be tricky to spot.
MystifiedTechie: I didn’t realize that was even a possibility until now! I’m just glad it’s working again.
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Make sure to check under the smaller cover on the back of the Probook; some G3 models have the m.2 drive located there, right next to the Wi-Fi card. It might just have shifted after the shutdown!
ExploringTech99: Could you share a picture or diagram for where that is? I hope that’s actually the case!
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CuriousNomad92: I looked around for updates, but I couldn't find anything. I'm still puzzled about why it happened in the first place, but I’m relieved it’s working now!