D drive disconnects

[ion9]

Since installing version 19 my D: drive keeps disconnecting. D: is a conventional internal HDD that I use for data and standalone apps, and my boot drive is a Samsung 850 EVO mSATA 500 GB.

Computer is a Sager NP8278-S (Built off Clevo P170SM-A) laptop, 2014 model running Windows 7 Home premium.

I have all the Avast security modules, I believe, except the VPN, Cleanup, Data Shredder, Webcam Shield, and it looks like there is an element of Software Upgrader that is locked.

I also initially installed Avast Secure Browser when I installed ver. 19, but restored my computer to before ver. 19 and ASB, as my disconnecting hard drive issue started occurring after installing those. Then I re-installed v. 19 but not Safe browser.
No joy.

Any ideas?

[mchain]

Since installing version 19 my D: drive keeps disconnecting. D: is a conventional internal HDD that I use for data and standalone apps, and my boot drive is a Samsung 850 EVO mSATA 500 GB.

Avast is fully installed on C:/ drive or no?  You have latest Samsung Magician version?  Latest is 5.3.0.

bob3160's Clean install of Avast:
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=224479.msg1490240#msg1490240  Applies even tho topic is not about your exact issue.

[ion9]

Yes Avast is fully on my system drive - C:

I am not aware of Samsung Magician, but will look into it, thanks.

I shall see about a clean install of Avast. I haven't yet, but I imagine that restoring my computer to a time before version 19 may have left some remnants of old installations behind, and that'd be what a clean install would take care of. Thanks again.

[mchain]

Samsung Magician website:  https://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/minisite/ssd/product/consumer/magician/

Additional software (including SSD Firmware updates):  https://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/minisite/ssd/download/tools/

First site will give you current status of your SSD drive, you can go from there.

Good luck with your Avast Clean install.

[ion9]

ETA:
TL;DR: My solution, seen below, did not work.

I did those things you suggested, but no joy. That Magician software is very nice, by the way; thanks for that.

I may have found the solution. When I looked at the drive in device manager, it showed the drive was using the MS driver from June of 2006. If I tried to update it, it told me that that is the current driver.

Then if I scanned for hardware changes when the D: drive was not showing in device driver, the drive would connect or show what the drive is (HGST HTS721010A9E630 ATA), a warning would pop up. Upon reading the troubleshooter it said something about a driver by >>EgisTec<< failing to do its thing. :/

So I set Windows update to auto, deleted the hard drive's driver, and allowed the restart. Now in device manager the drive's name (as above) is shown.

Lest the drive is failing, I backed it up, and shopped for it online--roughly $60.

Thank you very much.
Regards,
I9

[mchain]

No joy as far as Avast not working properly?

I'm not at your system but this is the best info re your HGST drive (can be/likely incorrect):  https://www.westerndigital.com/support/hgst/internal-drives/mobile-laptop/travelstar-7k1000

Could be a HGST Travelstar 7K1000 HTS721010A9E630 (0J22423) 1TB 7200 RPM ATA drive?  Old drive manufactured under Western Digital name.

https://support.wdc.com/knowledgebase/index.aspx?s=HGST+Travelstar+7K1000+HTS721010A9E630+(0J22423)+1TB+7200+RPM&c=544&lang=en

At the very least you can check drive fitness at one of the above links and report back.

Since you have a Samsung 500 EVO as main, might be time to consider another SSD for secondary due to normal mobility issues that can arise from standard use.