Adding second HDD to HP ENVY 17-j171sa Leap Motion TS SE Notebook PC

[Munromax]

Hi

Just recently upgraded to SSD as HDD1 in my notebook using ribbon cable etc from 'newmodeUS'

All stable and running well, so I installed a second HDD (which I know is working ok) but the notebook does not see it.

I even installed the original HDD as HDD2 but same problem

I can't find any relevant info on diagnosing this issue, but wondered if this model (leap motion) can actually have a second internal HDD

I can't see anything in the BIOS concerning this

One point to note is that I had to remove a maetal plate which was fitted in HDD2 drive bay - possible that it is not designe to accept?

Thanks

[Huffer]

So you used the newmode caddy/cable in the original bay with the SSD and used the original caddy/cable in the second bay? As long as there is a second zif connector in there to accept the cable from the second hard drive you should be able to install one but the usual thing is to use the original caddy/cable with the SSD in the primary bay and use the newmode hardware in the second bay. The cables are different lengths, right? 

[Munromax]

Thanks for your reply

Sorry, I may have confused the issue.

The SSD is in the original drive bay with the original cable. I just unplugged the original HDD and substituted it with the new SSD which worked staright away

I used the Newmode cable with the new (short)  HDD which is now in the drive bay for HDD2.

However, that drive bay had a metal plate held in by 3 screws (plate is same width and height as an HDD). The plate had a tunnel along it's length under which the sata cable for the original HDD passed through. So I removed the plate to allow installation of the second HDD

The new HDD is physically installed Ok (I think) as I can hear the drive spinning if I listen closely

I just wondered if this particular model does not support 2 drives due to having Leap Motion or some such thing.

Any thoughts?

Thanks again

[Huffer]

It should support it. As long as the little zif connector is there for the second hard drive the motherboard is set up to accept it. I would disconnect and reconnect the ribbon cable. It is pretty small if I recall correctly and has to be inserted just right. Also not impossible newmodeus made a bad one and the cable is bad. 

[Munromax]

I will try this tomorrow and get back to you.

To prove the new cable I could temporarily connect the original HDD with OS into HDD1 port with the new cable and carefully switch on and see if it boots. Only problem is that the cables are very small and if I damage the original cable then I'm pretty well stuffed I guess.

Would need to be brave (or foolish) - What do you think?

Thanks again

[Munromax]

Bit further on now!

Tried a known good OS HDD plugged into HDD1 sata port with new cable - Never saw the disk.

Tried same drive using original sata cable and all OK.

Problem is definitely the new small sata cable supplied by newmode.

Now need to figure how I can get a replacement as it is too small to attempt repair

Any ideas?

Robert

[Huffer]

Just call newmodeus or email. They are a reputable company and should stand behind the product. 

[Munromax]

Hi

I have emailed NewmodeUS and will update you when I receive a reply

[Munromax]

Hi Again

I received the new cable from NewmodeUS and they were just great - the new cable arrived within days to the UK.

I have now tried all possible permustations using both cables in either port and my findings are that:

The new cable from NewModeUS is definitely OK.

I have used both cables in both ports and HDD2 NEVER sees a disk

I currently have my new SSD connected to HDD1 with the new cable and the HP Original drive in HDD2 using the original cable

So there is nothing wrong with cables or disks.

I have looked in the BIOS Setup and can't find any way to configure to make HDD2 Sata port work

I have tried looking on WIndows 8.1 device Man etc and can't find anything that I can enable.

So I guess the question is - WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

I still wonder if the Leap Motion or some such thing causes any system level restriction?

Thanks again

Robert

[Munromax]

Does anyone have any answers to the issue above?

Hoping for something soon.!