Need help with Samsung 950 M.2 SSD on Asus GL502VMK [solved]

[adelwich]

Today, I inserted a Samsung 950 M.2 SSD into the empty slot in my new GL502VMK. It took me a few minutes to figure out how to remove the back of the laptop, and Samsung did not include an M.2 screw in the kit, but the physical installation was relatively smooth otherwise.

Here is my problem: Even though I installed the Samsung drivers and rebooted, Windows 10 won't see the SSD in the file system. I was seriously bummed out until I realized that the BIOS does see the SSD and is correctly reporting the manufacturer, model number, and capacity. (I had worried that the lack of a screw was causing all of these problems.)

How can I solve this problem and make Windows see the SSD? I would be grateful for any assistance.

Thanks!

[adelwich]

To clarify: Windows File Manager does not see the drive at all. It's not showing up in the list of attached drives. However, Device Manager also recognizes that a Samsung drive is installed.

[haihane]

huh? i don't understand.
Windows 10 won't see SSD in the file system <- what do you mean by this?

[adelwich]

When I attempted to view the drives connected to the computer, it did not show up with a drive letter. I realized that I needed to partition it and format it with the Disk Manager utility. Now just working on the next steps. I will circle back with more details when it is finished or if I am stuck.

[adelwich]

Everything worked out fine. These are the steps I followed:

1) Physically installed the Samsung SSD in the open slot.

2) Rebooted the computer and confirmed via device manager that Windows could see the new SSD.

3) From windows settings, I reset my system back to its original configuration, intentionally blowing out all of the data files and applications. I did this in order to make the installation as light as possible.

4) Downloaded the free version of "EaseUS Todo Backup," making sure that I followed the custom installation prompts to avoid crapware.

5) Used "EaseUS Todo Backup" to clone my windows installation on the SSD.

6) Restarted the computer and tapped ESC multiple times to enter the BIOS. From here, it was easy to change the bootable drive to the SSD drive. (Note: Apparently, the more recent ASUS systems will only let you enter the BIOS from a restart and not from a cold reboot.)

That's all there was to it. Thanks everyone!

[haihane]

do me a favor, and right click -> properties, on your new cloned SSD drive.
go to Tools -> Optimize and defragment drive -> Drive C -> Media type

my question to you: Media type, is it labelled HDD on drive C, or Solid State Drive on drive C?

[adelwich]

It says "Solid State." Is that correct?

[haihane]

adelwich wrote:
It says "Solid State." Is that correct?

that's very great news.
i didn't manage to dodge the bullet when cloning mine. glad that it turned out differently for you.

(at the same time, takes mental note that EaseUS > Samsung Data Migration)
thanks for da tip.

[bachastain]

Check Disk Management in Windows to see if the drive is there but doesn't have a drive letter assigned.