Question External SSD Enclosure Not Detected

Captain Kirk · Mar 9, 2025

Hey'yal, howdy everyone

bought a brand new SSD card.
laptop uses SSD as an HD
didn't know that

External SSD Enclosure Not Detected in BIOS
External SSD Enclosure Not Detected in Device Manager
External SSD Enclosure Not Detected in Administrative Tools

Internal SSD HD detected in BIOS
(both original factory SSD HD that came with the brand new computer and a new SSD HD, when switched)

is anyone an expert here?
Maybe someone can figure out this puzzle
really stumped me!

mikeymikec · Mar 9, 2025

"SSD card" - do you mean a SATA SSD?

"didn't know that" - didn't know what?

If I'm correct, can you try connecting a hard drive to your hard drive enclosure and see how it reacts? I have an older SATA docking bay which can handle most drives fine, but Samsung SSDs newer than the 860 series can't be accessed. I have another (newer) enclosure that can read such drives.

Captain Kirk · Mar 10, 2025

Hi mikeymike, hows everything?

Like your avatar

I didn't know that they used SSD instead of an actual HD. The type of HD you connect to a tower

Captain Kirk · Mar 10, 2025

There is 1 card internally (SSD), and 1 card as an external enclosure.

This is the newest one

just bought it

it is not recognizing it

stumped

Captain Kirk · Mar 10, 2025

it is a brand new right out of the box
SSD NVME M.2
fANxIANG S500 Pro PCIe Gen 3x4
Fanxiang

SSD External Enclosure

connected to a laptop
AV15-51 Acer Aspire

Captain Kirk · Mar 10, 2025

It will not install windows because it cannot read the external SSD card

The SSD External Enclosure is not detected during the windows installation

during the windows installation
install windows
step 1
Windows message,
"where do you want to install windows? "

but no drives show up on the list

but there is an option at the bottom -->
choose 'load Driver,' browse on USB

I am trying to install windows but was unable to because no drives showed up to install it to during the windows installation

if the SSD External Enclosure could be detected, then at least one drive would show up. but there is 2 SSD cards, so the internal drive should also show up. so technically, 2 drives "should" be showing up in

Device Manager
Administrative Tools
BIOS

IT just does not make any sense why the EXTERNAL is not showing up

Summary:

[] Unable to install windows
[] SSD External Enclosure not detected

Thanks,

Sincerely,
Captain Kirk

mikeymikec · Mar 10, 2025

Captain Kirk said:
It will not install windows because it cannot read the external SSD card

The SSD External Enclosure is not detected during the windows installation

during the windows installation
install windows
step 1
Windows message,
"where do you want to install windows? "

but no drives show up on the list

but there is an option at the bottom -->
choose 'load Driver,' browse on USB

I am trying to install windows but was unable to because no drives showed up to install it to during the windows installation

if the SSD External Enclosure could be detected, then at least one drive would show up. but there is 2 SSD cards, so the internal drive should also show up. so technically, 2 drives "should" be showing up in

Device Manager
Administrative Tools
BIOS

IT just does not make any sense why the EXTERNAL is not showing up

Summary:

[] Unable to install windows
[] SSD External Enclosure not detected

Thanks,

Sincerely,
Captain Kirk

I think you would have to take some unusual steps to successfully install Windows on a USB drive. Why would you want to? The data access latencies would really slow Windows down.

Otherwise, if the external drive isn't showing up anywhere in Windows or in the BIOS, there's a hardware problem. The USB port on the computer, the cable between the enclosure and the computer, the enclosure itself (try testing with another drive in that enclosure), the drive inside the enclosure, or a compatibility issue between those two. Also, try connecting it to another computer.

Captain Kirk · Mar 11, 2025

Hey MikeyMike, what's up bro?
Hows everything?

The SSD drive that comes stock with the laptop i switch with the brand new one in the external drive. I tested both SSD drives in the external enclosure and neither showed up.

So this time i looked at it and switched the SSD Drive in the laptop with the new one. Both SSD Drives were tested in the laptopn

SSD Drives (2)
[] both showed up in the BIOS
[] BOTH DID NOT show up with the external enclosure

USB
[] Detected in BIOS
[] Detected in
Device Manager
Administrative Tools
BIOS

that;'s the only
"hardware"
to speak of

Captain Kirk

Captain Kirk · Mar 11, 2025

ah yes, of course, almost forgot
Mikeymike

1. both cards are of the same m.2 type, specifically compatible with my mobo
2. i tested the external enclosure out on every device i had access to, but none detected it.

I gave it to a tech and they plugged it into their computer and they said it was detected.

not sure really what to do now at this point.

still horribly stuck..............

mikeymikec · Mar 11, 2025

When you gave it to a tech to test, was that test with one of your M.2 drives?

Regarding drives, enclosures and motherboards: It's more of a question of drive + enclosure compatibility, if you want the drive to work in an enclosure.

Captain Kirk · Mar 11, 2025

Hi,

the m.2 was tested

I have 2 drives
both of them are m.2

2 cards and enclosure: brand new, near mint
laptop: brand new 1 year ago

laptop was the newest best model when it came out last year

I was only able to test the enclosure on the newest laptop, as i would need an adapter to attach it to previous models that i have which are several years old brand new.

MikeyMike said,
"a question of drive + enclosure compatibility"

it is an m.2 card
the enclosure is made for an m.2 card

m.2 card is brand new
the enclosure is brand new

Captain Kirk · Mar 11, 2025

The drive tested was an m.2 drive

m.2 card and enclosure compatibility
plug and play
* All computer stuff is made to be backwards compatible

example of
plug and play

this USB device is several years old when it was brand new. I could have bought it brand new 4 years ago.

my USB is detected on all devices and in the following areas -->
Device Manager
Administrative Tools
BIOS

mikeymikec · Mar 12, 2025

I assume the enclosure has a USB-C to USB-C cable (as that's what my NVMe enclosure has), and that is also the reason that you can't connect it to an older laptop because the latter lacks a USB-C port. Do you know if the USB-C port on your laptop works?

If you have a USB-A to USB-C cable (one that came with a smartphone is a good bet), you could try plugging your phone into the computer and see if you can get more than just charging capability out of it. If you can, then use that cable to connect the enclosure to a USB-A port on your computers.

The enclosure might well be made for an M.2 drive but designers of devices have to try and get the design to conform to specs and keep the price down. Sometimes for example an older/cheaper controller chip might be used that doesn't completely conform to specs and so therefore not all M.2 drives work in them. The same applies to M.2 drives, if one was designed that doesn't completely conform to specs then it might not work properly in all M.2 hosts. I've had an M.2 enclosure that didn't read all M.2 drives (despite being allegedly compatible with both types), and I have one now that does a better job.

"my USB is detected on all devices and in the following areas" - what is "my USB"?

What OS are you using?

Captain Kirk · Mar 13, 2025

Hello there Mikeymike,
good day to you!!!

Mikeymike says,
"I assume the enclosure has a USB-C to USB-C cable"
Mikeymike, the enclosure is a USB-C plug (looks like a micro USB).
It is a 2 prong cord with a micro usb on each side -- it is brand new (you call it a USB -C), so it is a micro usb to micro usb.

The Flashdrive has a USB plug. this is bigger than the (what looks like a micro USB) USB-C plug.

The Flashdrive plugs into the same pC as the Enclosure --
A) Flashdrive detected, USB plug {USB-A}
B) Enclosure not detected, (looks like a micro USB plug) {USB-C)

Mikeymike says,
"that is also the reason that you can't connect it to an older laptop because the latter lacks a USB-C port"
the older computers have a USB slot, but do not have a micro USB slot (USB-C you say). They have USB-A slots but do not have any USB-C slots

Mikeymike says,
"Do you know if the USB-C port on your laptop works?"
The Laptop is brand new one year ago, one of the best on the market. The plug has only been used twice. Only the USB 3.0 has been used regularly.

The USB 2.0 slots on the older computers still have functional USB slots and the Flashdrive is detected with no problems.

Mikeymike says,
"If you have a USB-A to USB-C cable"
Yeah, I do not have a USB-A to USB-C cord Mikeymike. I too, also thought if that possibility...

Mikeymike says,
""my USB is detected on all devices and in the following areas" - what is "my USB"?"
Hey Mikeymike, this is referring to my Flashdrive. My Flashdrive is detected on all devices
and can be seen in the following areas --

{Flashdrive}
Device Manager
Administrative Tools
BIOS

Mikeymike says,
"What OS are you using?"
Win 10

mikeymikec · Mar 13, 2025

Btw, Micro-USB is something else entirely (it's a number of things actually), it's best not to use that term unless you really mean it. Most people will interpret Micro-USB to mean the connector that pre-USB-C Android devices typically used. USB-C is the only USB connector that can be plugged in either way round.

So you know that the enclosure's cable and the enclosure combined with one of the M.2 drives work (though it might be useful to confirm that the tech used your USB-C cable; I for example find it as irritating as hell to clamber round the back of my computer to get to a USB-C port I can't see and connect the absurdly short cable the enclosure comes with, so I often use my 3-metre USB-A to USB-C cable instead), you don't know if your laptop's USB-C port currently works, and getting a USB-A to USB-C cable would allow you to connect the enclosure to all your computers for further testing. If you do buy such a cable, make sure it can handle data as well as charging (because one can buy charging-only cables). Can you bring your laptop and the enclosure bits to the tech together, maybe they have such a cable?

I think any version of Windows 10 should be OK but running the command 'winver' would tell you which version of Windows 10 it is, hopefully it's 22H2.

Captain Kirk · Mar 14, 2025

Hey MikeyMike, glad to hear from you

MikeyMike, says,
"Btw, Micro-USB is something else entirely"
it is a USB-C. This whole ruckus about techincal details is clambering my mind: there are so many different types of plug in's these days......its mentally exhausting to keep up with it all.

MikeyMike, says,
" it might be useful to confirm that the tech used your USB-C cable"
the tech did not use my cable (USB-C to USB-C)

MikeyMike, says,
"getting a USB-A to USB-C cable... for further testing"
the cord is the one that came brand new with the enclosure. It had never been used before. When testing it, i plugged it in a total of 4 times since it was brand new MINT CONDITION

MikeyMike, says,
"Can you bring your laptop and the enclosure bits to the tech together, maybe they have such a cable?"
I already have a cable.
I already brought the laptop and the enclosure bits to the tech together.
that's when he determined that the enclosure worked just fine.

MikeyMike, says,
"which version of Windows 10 it is, hopefully it's 22H2"
Windows is not currently installed, so getting this information is very difficult or impossible. I will see if i can spend some time on it and get this information next time.

MikeyMike, says,
"you don't know if your laptop's USB-C port currently works"
The laptop is one year since brand new mint condition.
The USB-C port has never been used before. Just recently, i used this brand new MINT CONDITION plug for a total of 4 times since it was brand new.

Captain Kirk

mikeymikec · Mar 14, 2025

Just because something is new does not mean that it definitely works. You're banging your head against this problem because you've made assumptions that you evidently refuse to challenge.

You know (with a high degree of confidence at least) that the enclosure plus one of your M.2 drives worked together with another cable when plugged into another computer, so logically you've got a cable problem or a USB socket (on your laptop) problem.

The only other thing I find a bit strange is that you said when you tried to install Windows that no drives were detected. I suspect you're trying to install Windows onto USB-connected storage which AFAIK isn't possible using the standard installation method, but I'm not sure if at the point that you made the attempt that an M.2 drive was installed in the computer or not, because if there was a drive in the computer it ought to have been detected. Some laptops on their default BIOS settings would require extra drivers to install to the internal M.2 connection, but usually that BIOS setting can be changed back to the standard protocol so that Windows can auto-detect the drive.

Captain Kirk · Mar 15, 2025

mikeyMike said,
"thing I find a bit strange is that you said when you tried to install Windows that no drives were detected."
Yeah, you aren't the only one mikeyMike. I too thought this was odd, and piqued my curiousity and interest, because, like you say --
IT SHOULD BE DETECTED!!!

Diagnostics Report --
M.2 Drive detected in BIOS
same okay tested (m.2 drive+enclosure) with cord not detected in BIOS

The same m.2 drive that is detected in the BIOS is not detected in the enclosure.

Two M.2 Drive detected in BIOS
Same two M.2 Drives not detected in the enclosure

2 M.2 Drives:
M.2 Drive 1
M.2 Drive 2

M.2 Drive 1 detected in BIOS
Took out M.2 Drive 1 and replaced it with M.2 Drive 2
Boot the Laptop from a cold boot
M.2 Drive 2 detected in BIOS

Next TEST
M.2 Drive 2 in laptop. It is detected in BIOS, but M.2 Drive 1 in the enclosure is not detected

turn off laptop

Swap drives
M.2 Drive 1 in laptop. It is detected in BIOS, but M.2 Drive 2 in the enclosure is not detected

Setup.exe
install windows
install to location
No drives shown on the list
tURN OFF Laptop
Plug in USB
Cold Boot
Setup.exe
install windows
install to location
No drives shown on the list
* Not even the USB is detected for drives shown on this list as the
"Location (drive) to install it to".....................

Captain Kirk · Mar 15, 2025

mikeyMike, yo wht's up bro?

mikeyMikesaid,
"Just because something is new does not mean that it definitely works."
okay ,so since its brand new, the probability of success that it is not a problem is 88-93% chance that this is not the problem, as in maybe should look at high probability stuff first, then..

DiagnosticsReport --
enclosuredetected on one computer
onem.2 drive detected on two computers
twom.2 drives detected on same computer
oneUSB 2.0 works on three computers

"still a problem"

mikeyMikesaid,
"with a high degree of confidence...worked together with another cable when plugged into another computer,"
I am not confident that my brand new cable even works, so assuming that my mint condition cable is broken, it has never been detected. Since i can only plug in a USB-C plug into the new laptop, No device has actually been tested with the cord, as there are no devices except the enclosure to test it with.

So my brand new mint condition cord is broken because i have never used it, i assume. now what?

I visually inspected the cord: there are no signs of usage, wear, erosion, damage, crimps, bend creases, missing pieces, or broken parts in its heavily worn condition. The plastic is shiny brand new and the cord has tinsel strength like someone never arced it to the plug.

both of these possible problems you mentioned leave potential errors in a7-12% chance for a defective/damaged mint condition

Captain Kirk · Mar 15, 2025

mikeyMike

mikeyMike mentioned,
"you're trying to install Windows onto USB"
A) windows installation is on the USB
B) trying to install to m.2 drive
C) if the USB with the windows installation is not plugged in, the computer only goes to the BIOS. So without the USB, the only computer's usefulness to being able to go to the BIOS sreen. That is my computers MAIN FUNCTION
right now.
D) Installation is NOT possible without the USB, as there is no optical drive.....

mikeyMike mentioned,
" using the standard installation method...at the point that you made the attempt that an M.2 drive was installed in the computer or not"

my response,
[] The m.2 drive is in the laptop.
[] I tried installing windows with the m.2 drive in it.
[] The computer probably wont turn on without the m.2 drive in it, or error

mikeyMike mentioned,
"because if there was a drive in the computer it ought to have been detected"

Diagnostics Report --
the drive is in the computer
the drive is detected in BIOS
the drive is NOT detected during windows installation

remember --
during windows installation: no drives are on the list
"Install to Location"
On what drive do you want to install windows on?
windows message

AND, lastly, i did a factory reset

Captain Kirk

mikeymikec · Mar 15, 2025

Ok, concentrate on getting Windows installed onto the internally installed SSD first, forget about the enclosure for now. There is very likely a setting in the BIOS that controls the communication method of the storage system, so have a trawl through your BIOS settings for that setting. If it's an Intel laptop, one possibility is that the setting is set to 'Intel VMB'. If you're in doubt about what a particular setting is for, google the setting / options provided by that setting.

Captain Kirk · Mar 15, 2025

mikeyMike, good day to you

You said you wanted to know what windows version it is. I don't know why this would matter. Only the OS itself seems like it would be relevant.

Troubleshooting
Repair
Fix Computer

Command Prompt
Ver
Version 10.0.19041.3803

browse with USB
Drive X:\
Program Files
Windows

Unplug USB
no drive to browse

option "browse" at location

Current condition of Acer Aspire AV15-51:
A) Boot
B) Recovery Screen
Enter --- Try Again
F1 --- Recovery Environment
F8 --- Startup Settings
ESC --- UEFI Firmware Settings
* Laptop turns off "Off Button, Power Off" in 30 seconds when no command is entered.

Enter These Commands -->
Enter --- Reload Page. Refresh. Same Page.
F1 --- Laptop Turns Off. Keyboard Symbol Zzzzz.
F8 --- Reload Page. Refresh. As Enter.
ESC --- Reboot Into BIOS

SUMMARY:
There are 3 options ---
1) Reload
2) Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
3) BIOS

Options (3)
1) Install Windows Screen
2) Command Prompt
3) BIOS

Captain Kirk

Captain Kirk · Mar 15, 2025

Good Evening mikeyMike,

mikeyMike suggested,
"Ok, concentrate on getting Windows installed onto the internally installed SSD first"
dude! I been TRYING to install it on the internal SSD first, the enclosure was a Plan B to failing installing internally.

I only tried using the enclosure after i wasn't able to install windows

mikeyMike if i could install windows to the internal SSD, all my problems would be solved!!!!

STEPS
1) Install to internal SSD
2) Install to external SSD
3) Install to USB
4) Install to External HD
5) Swap SSD and install with second SSD instead
6) Factory Reset
7) Install from USB
8) Install to 2nd internal SSD
9) Install to 2nd external SSD
10) see if changing BIOS settings will help
11) see if troubleshooting helps
12) see if the recovery option helps
13) see if any command prompt commands work
14) Install from command prompt
15) cold boot
16) check cables and reseat
17) Try to install from BIOS as internet install
18) Use several software programs to try to detect the enclosure
19) See if repair option fixes it
20) Try ALL the options and see if one of them fixes it..........
21) Install from external DVD Drive
22) Used software to try to fix the MBR
23) Used software to try to recover windows installation
24) Command Prompt
bootrec /fixmbr "completed successfully"
bootrec /fixboot "Access is denied"
bootrec /rebuildPCD "Scanning, Windows Installed"

"successfully scanned. Windows installations: 0
"The operation completed successfully"
Exit
setup

No Drives appeared on the list
PC SSD showed up in BIOS
eXTERNAL ssd NOT IN bios/Windows

Fanxiang S500 Pro PCIe Gen 3x4

mikeymikec · Mar 15, 2025

Captain Kirk said:
ESC --- UEFI Firmware Settings

What happens when you go into the UEFI firmware settings? That's where I want you to search for the option regarding the storage communication system method.

Looking at the drivers available for your laptop, I think there are two possibilities regarding the setting you ought to be looking for: some kind of RAID option (if so, I would disable RAID), or Intel VMD (again, disable). It's not strictly speaking necessary to change this option in order to install Windows, but with the option enabled, Windows Setup would have to be fed a driver via USB memory stick. If the option is disabled, then Windows will auto-detect the M.2 drive.

The drivers for your laptop are available here:

https://www.acer.com/gb-en/support/product-support/Aspire_AV15-51

The latest Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver is very likely to be the correct driver.

Captain Kirk said:
Good Evening mikeyMike,

mikeyMike suggested,
"Ok, concentrate on getting Windows installed onto the internally installed SSD first"
dude! I been TRYING to install it on the internal SSD first, the enclosure was a Plan B to failing installing internally.

Just bear in mind how insanely complicated you're making this process - in a thread that's allegedly about you trying to get your external SSD working, you just shoehorned the fact that your computer doesn't even have an OS installed. *That* is why I said let's concentrate on one issue.

You're also bombarding me with lots of information that I didn't ask for.

Captain Kirk · Mar 16, 2025

Mikeymike, nice day sir,

Mikeymike commented,
"What happens when you go into the UEFI firmware settings? "
UEFI firmware settings clears your Secure Boot keys. Another person advises against it.

Mikeymike commented,
" there are two possibilities regarding the setting you ought to be looking for: some kind of RAID option (if so, I would disable RAID), or Intel VMD (again, disable"
would RAID or VMD show in BIOS?

Mikeymike'S Advise,
Disable RAID and VMD

Question External SSD Enclosure Not Detected

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