Installed 256gb NVMe M.2 in Swift 3 SF315-52-52YN now cannot access HDD in windows

aviator79
aviator79 Member Posts: 2 New User
So after I repaired charge port decided to add Samsung Evo 250gb NVMe M.2 in place of Optane 16gb. Made recovery USB flash drive, installed onto NVMe M.2 SSD and I have Windows working on SSD.
Thought was to have HDD as backup/storage but when change BIOS SATA mode from RST with Optane to AHCI the computer will not boot into windows. It does boot when SATA mode is left at RST with Optane but HDD does not show up in BIOS Boot menu nor can I access it in Windows (HDD does show up in BIOS after change to AHCI). So figure I need to transfer certain files from Optane to HDD but IDK how. So was thinking I could format HDD after saving files to USB to put onto NVMe M.2 HDD.  But I am not sure that will work. Would be easier to to be able to see the HDD in Windows and move whatever folders/files over that I know need.  Is there something in UEFI that is preventing this to work (IDK what UEFI is other than what google says*)? 
BIOS is 1.7. Not sure version 1.8 would make a difference**.  I did set supervisory password in BIOS Security tab which allows me to set Secure Boot in Boot tab to Disabled but still wont boot into windows until set SATA mode back to RST with Optane (I assume could also disable SATA port in BIOS (or just remove cable) but neither solves issue).
BTW I did remove cable when installed Windows onto SSD and only mention this if somehow this matters and should have first changed BIOS then installed recover. 
Also lastly I do get to repair screen and could again reinstall windows but have yet to try that as just doesn't make sense given windows work fine without HDD.

I am thinking of just getting a 500gb NVMe M.2 instead (assuming it would work) and be done with the HDD. I know the HDD can be replaced with a max of 256 SATA SSD (not sure why that is max other were able to get to work) but sort of no point going that way vs the NVMe M.2 SSD. But figure I would post here see if could find any help.

I bought this Swift 3 from Office depot Dec 2019 for $400. Has i5 8250U, 15.6" IPS, 1TB HDD, 8GB DDR4 so was decent deal at time.  Been pretty good except charge/power port being so small it wears out so finally opened up and replaced it on the MB with help from this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQnFWI_5X2w
Would have liked to switch to a larger barrel plug port and get new charger that also has same specs but larger barrel plug as feel would be more robust but IDK what PN for MB charge port so just used the OEM part (1.1mm ID x 3mm OD).  Removal of charge port on MB was PITA and the little FET? next to charge port came off and had to resolder that as well. But all working now.

Decided to add a stick of memory so just picked up another 8gb SK Hynix PC4-2400T-SA1-11 as same as what was already in there.
The computer also will not work with the 2nd stick so for now it is not in there (screen stays black with 2nd stick installed).
First trying to sort out above issue.

For now just running it back on HDD with Optane. If were not for fact that all kids (10yo) files on HDD would not really be such an issue. But 392 GB used on HDD IDK what he needs and what he does not need so again would be much easier if could get HDD to show up as D drive and move stuff over in windows.

Sorry for long post.
Any help appreciated.

*UEFI is a software specification that provides a standard programming interface connecting a computer's firmware to its operating system during the booting process. In x86 systems, the UEFI firmware is usually stored in the flash memory chip of the motherboard

** Bios 1.8: Updates ME firmware version and enhances BIOS Capsule Update function

Answers

  • aviator79
    aviator79 Member Posts: 2 New User
    Ok so first I now realize UEFI is BIOS. So there is not something else on MB that causing issues...
    I know others have done what I am doing or installed SATA SSDs without Optane this should work but about to go with 500gb NVMe M.2 and ditch HDD.
    The 256 probably be fine for now just figure for $15 more get 500.

    So upgraded BIOS to 1.8. I may restore defaults on it see what does. Either way dont think this is going to fix issue. 

    Figure would post pics if screens I get.
    I have pics of bios too but idk if they would be any help.

    First this (again this is only after setting SATA to AHCI and where HDD shows in bios)


    Then


  • StevenGen
    StevenGen ACE Posts: 12,700 Trailblazer
    edited February 2022
    aviator79 said:
    So after I repaired charge port decided to add Samsung Evo 250gb NVMe M.2 in place of Optane 16gb. Made recovery USB flash drive, installed onto NVMe M.2 SSD and I have Windows working on SSD.
    Thought was to have HDD as backup/storage but when change BIOS SATA mode from RST with Optane to AHCI the computer will not boot into windows. It does boot when SATA mode is left at RST with Optane but HDD does not show up in BIOS Boot menu nor can I access it in Windows (HDD does show up in BIOS after change to AHCI). So figure I need to transfer certain files from Optane to HDD but IDK how. So was thinking I could format HDD after saving files to USB to put onto NVMe M.2 HDD.  But I am not sure that will work. Would be easier to to be able to see the HDD in Windows and move whatever folders/files over that I know need.  Is there something in UEFI that is preventing this to work (IDK what UEFI is other than what google says*)? 
    BIOS is 1.7. Not sure version 1.8 would make a difference**.  I did set supervisory password in BIOS Security tab which allows me to set Secure Boot in Boot tab to Disabled but still wont boot into windows until set SATA mode back to RST with Optane (I assume could also disable SATA port in BIOS (or just remove cable) but neither solves issue).
    BTW I did remove cable when installed Windows onto SSD and only mention this if somehow this matters and should have first changed BIOS then installed recover. 
    Also lastly I do get to repair screen and could again reinstall windows but have yet to try that as just doesn't make sense given windows work fine without HDD.

    I am thinking of just getting a 500gb NVMe M.2 instead (assuming it would work) and be done with the HDD. I know the HDD can be replaced with a max of 256 SATA SSD (not sure why that is max other were able to get to work) but sort of no point going that way vs the NVMe M.2 SSD. But figure I would post here see if could find any help.

    I bought this Swift 3 from Office depot Dec 2019 for $400. Has i5 8250U, 15.6" IPS, 1TB HDD, 8GB DDR4 so was decent deal at time.  Been pretty good except charge/power port being so small it wears out so finally opened up and replaced it on the MB with help from this video:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQnFWI_5X2w
    Would have liked to switch to a larger barrel plug port and get new charger that also has same specs but larger barrel plug as feel would be more robust but IDK what PN for MB charge port so just used the OEM part (1.1mm ID x 3mm OD).  Removal of charge port on MB was PITA and the little FET? next to charge port came off and had to resolder that as well. But all working now.

    Decided to add a stick of memory so just picked up another 8gb SK Hynix PC4-2400T-SA1-11 as same as what was already in there.
    The computer also will not work with the 2nd stick so for now it is not in there (screen stays black with 2nd stick installed).
    First trying to sort out above issue.

    For now just running it back on HDD with Optane. If were not for fact that all kids (10yo) files on HDD would not really be such an issue. But 392 GB used on HDD IDK what he needs and what he does not need so again would be much easier if could get HDD to show up as D drive and move stuff over in windows.

    Sorry for long post.
    Any help appreciated.

    *UEFI is a software specification that provides a standard programming interface connecting a computer's firmware to its operating system during the booting process. In x86 systems, the UEFI firmware is usually stored in the flash memory chip of the motherboard

    ** Bios 1.8: Updates ME firmware version and enhances BIOS Capsule Update function

    Firstly the SF315-52’s last two BIOS versions are not the version 1.17 or 1.18 its either the 1.07 “Updates EC version, RAID driver and fixes BIOS password setting issue” or the 1.08 “Updates ME firmware version and enhances BIOS Capsule Update function”. Also this series has several models that may vary characteristics by region and country. By default, it only has one M.2 2280 slot for both Sata 3 and PCIe NVMe Gen3x4. Best is to use the Crucial System Scanner that will give you all the appropriate memory and drive upgrades for your SF315-52.

    With the 2.5" spinner HDD do a clean install on an M.2 (B&M end key type drives) that is recommended for the SF315-52 by Acer (see below) and try again as it should work on BIOS SATA Mode - AHCI Mode, also take the 2.5” drive out when doing the clean install on the new M.2 SATA-3 drive and then put the 2.5" drive back as the 2.5” spinner HDD is formatted in LBR/Legacy mode and it will work if you put this drive back after the install of either Win-10 or if your SF315-52 is compatible with Win-11 and you have the 8th Gen i3-8130U, i5-8250U or the  i7-8550U CPU’s then you can install Win-11 also. Try that as your probable cause is a conflicting hardware drive that you have installed e.g. the Samsung EVO NVMe M.2 and the enabling of the RST with Optane settings that conflict. With the RAM see the SF315-52 specs and RAM recommended by Acer as it should work with 2x 8GB into its 2x slots.

    SF315-52 M.2 Recommended drives as in SG



    SF315-52 Recommended Memeory as in SG


  • Easwar
    Easwar Member Posts: 6,727 Guru
    Hi @aviator79,

    # Try to get the BIOS page.
    1. Turn OFF the unit.
    ​2. Press and hold the F2 key and turn on the unit. 
    3. You will be in setup utility page. 
    4. Once you got the screen release the F2 key.
    5. Tap on F9 key and hit enter key without changing the option.
    6. Tap on F10 key and hit enter key without changing the option.
    7. Your unit will restart by itself. 

    Check this T/S and post the result. ​