Guide On ExpressCache: "I Want My ExpressCache Back!" Edition

Or there's the Seagate SSHD.

John

 

Yes, true. That's what I use in my other laptop (which doesn't have ExpressCache). But I would like even better to have a small iSSD/mSATA that could contain my Windows partition outright, using the HDD just for data.

 

Curiously, I have just started to see the same behaviour -- the appearing and disappearing iSSD in Device Manager -- with my NP700G7C-S01UK. I'm running Win 7 and haven't had any problems booting (yet).

I'm busy at the moment but will investigate this more next week. In a quick initial test, it seemed that cold booting the laptop meant the iSSD was more likely to be detected than after a warm reboot.

XMB, if it's defective, then you should be able to get a repair from the retailer (under Sale of Goods law) even if the laptop is out of warranty.

 

Yesterday my HDD was occupied by ExpressCache, but I can't find it in the Easy Settings.. wat... I used the info command and it displays the status "2".
I also tried installing a new version but it tells me there is no device where ExpressCache could be run on.

What about IntelliMemory? Should you install it when you have ExpressCache or not?

 

Hello kurtextrem,

The recent discussion in this thread has been about the ExpressCache drive (iSSD) disappearing either (A) because it has become defect, or (B) because of installation errors that caused it to be GPT when running a Legacy BIOS mode OS (non-UEFI).

Check to see if the iSSD shows up in Device Manager under Disk drives. You could also open DISKPART (command line) and use LIST DISK to see if it shows up there.

If ExpressCache on your PC was working before and then stopped working -- and if you didn't make any other installation changes -- it would indeed seem that your iSSD may have died. If you still have warranty, you should contact Samsung about it. They will probably ask that you factory restore (F4 Recovery) in order to verify that you didn't just mess it up.

And NO, you absolutely should NOT install IntelliMemory at the same time as ExpressCache. Both are disk caching programs, with ExpressCache using the iSSD for caching whereas IntelliMemory uses RAM. You don't want two competing disk cache programs. In fact, that could be a reason why one of them won't run. (I suppose you COULD use IntelliMemory instead of ExpressCache if your iSSD has died, although ExpressCache models don't come with IntelliMemory.)

Update: I see in your other post this morning here that you are using ExpressCache version 1.2. I have not been able to find a newer version than 1.0.94 from Samsung. Where did you find this? If it is from a non-Samsung source, maybe that is why it stopped working.

Also, if you changed your Intel Rapid Storage driver to a non-Samsung source, I suppose it could have messed with ExpressCache -- although I doubt it.

 

Hi again, and thanks again for your reply

Yep, it's gone from the list. It only shows my HDD. I did not change anything, that's why I visited this forum again and started updating things (sounds weird but yeah that's my story haha)

Okay, great to know

The Intel Rapid Storage driver is from samsung, just from another new laptop model.

 

Yeah, that does sound as if the iSSD might be defect. Unfortunately, you're not the first. I wonder how long my own will last (bought it summer 2012).

And I agree, that Rapid Storage should be fine, even though you downloaded from another model.

 

I cannot seem to get MacDisk to work on Windows 8 Pro. I have a HFS volume is not mounted error message with error code 2. Help?

 

Sorry, sabrefresco, I missed this one:

You shouldn't have to use those partitioning tricks on the first page. Just uninstall ExpressCache, reboot, delete any partitions on the iSSD, re-install EC, reboot. That should do it in most cases. Use the ECCmd command to verify.

The exceptions are (A) if you switched from BIOS to UEFI installation or vice versa (in which case you must convert the iSSD), or (B) if the iSSD has worn down (in which it's gone).

It's all covered earlier in the thread, but I am on my phone now, making it difficult to search and link.

 

Hi all. Well, I finally managed to get ExpressCache working and showing up in Easysettings (don't ask me how!). However I now have a new issue. Every time I boot, I get a message saying 'Samsung has stopped working' with the following details:

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: BEX64
Application Name: ExpressCacheRun64.exe
Application Version: 1.0.0.2
Application Timestamp: 4df608c1
Fault Module Name: ecapi64.dll
Fault Module Version: 1.0.46.0
Fault Module Timestamp: 4ddeea46
Exception Offset: 0000000000001ae7
Exception Code: c0000409
Exception Data: 0000000000000000
OS Version: 6.1.7601.2.1.0.768.3
Locale ID: 2057
Additional Information 1: f0f7
Additional Information 2: f0f72a9e9aeedb62af0adcd3c72eebd9
Additional Information 3: aef7
Additional Information 4: aef7b6e6759693ec3358132736e3ad65

So after days of fiddling around it looks like I haven't solved things at all! I've updated to all the latest drivers using Samsung's SW Update and ExpressCache currently stands at 1.0.86.0 (windows 7 64bit). I might be wrong but there's a chance the problems started when I updated the chipset driver and Intel Rapid Storage driver via Samsung SW Update (I'd previous let Windows update do the work). Has anyone had a similar error? Any ideas what to try next? I'm reluctant to uninstall everything seeing how long it's taken to get Expresscache working.!

 

Hi piloteer, welcome to NBR.

You should be able to find ExpressCache version 1.0.94 in SW Update, if you use the Find Model feature and look under Win8 drivers. That version works for Win7 as well. If your model doesn't have Win8 drivers in SW Update (you didn't say which model) you can look under NP700Z3A-S03US. Once you found it, save it locally using the Export feature. Check this post for details. That post also describes how to find Easy Settings 2.x, but there is now a better way described in the thread linked below:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/729139-settings-easy-settings-what-you-need-know.html

Once you have the latest ExpressCache and Easy Settings, try re-installing them both using the steps described in this post.

Let us know how that goes

 

Okay tried the new driver for starters - EC has been removed from Easy Settings (1.1.1.4) - not a big deal but it's showing as mounted in the command line and no crash on booting! So far so good.

 

Yes, if it shows up right in ECCmd INFO command, it's working. Good job!

And yeah, [Easy] Settings 2.1 doesn't have ExpressCache anymore (we talk about that in the thread I linked). You probably want Easy Settings 2.0.0.48 (also covered in that thread) which I believe is the latest version before the switch to 2.1. (There is a 2.0.0.55 of Settings for Win8, but the Easy Settings that comes with it is 2.0.0.48).

 

HI guys,
I have a Samsung Series 7, NP700Z5C-S02UB. I had been stuck with getting the ExpressCache to work. With no help from Samsung customer support and with my limited knowledge on operating systems, I was finally able to get the expresscache work this morning. Thanks to this wonderful thread and such valuable info provided by you guys. For those of who own the same model as me, and may come here in the future looking for solutions to expresscache, I have the following version of expresscache working on my Windows 8.1Pro.
ExpressCache 1.0.86
Settings 2.0.0.38 (successfully shows the expresscache sub-tab under the boot management tab)
I tried the 1.0.94 version of ExpressCache only to get an error message on command prompt after running eccmd -info, that hfs device is not mounted or the requested device is not available.
Thanks again guys!

 

Hi g0veer01, welcome to NBR.

Thanks a lot for the feedback and for sharing your info here. As I am sure you know, lots of Samsung owners have had lots of problems with Win 8.1, as described in the thread linked below:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sam...pgrade-until-samsung-has-updated-drivers.html

When I tested the 8.1 preview back in June, I was able to get the newer ExpressCache 1.0.94 working, but only after uninstalling and re-installing it (see this post and the following few posts). I have not tested the 8.1 release, but a few members reported about it in the 8.1 thread, and I would expect it to be the same with regards to ExpressCache.

In any case: I wonder if the reason you got 1.0.86 working might have been that you uninstalled and re-installed, and whether 1.0.94 might work as well if you uninstall/re-install. You can delete the partition on the iSSD before re-installing, but DON'T do the MacDisk thing mentioned in the opening post; that shouldn't be necessary with any recent Expresscache versions.

It's just a thought. Win 8.1 is difficult enough, so if you have it working, that's a good reason not to change anything

 

Hello Dannemand,
I like your idea as I haven't thought of it, but it sure seems logical. I doubt if I am gonna try that, it was hard to get ExpressCache working in the first place so I am not toying with it until it stops working

 

Hope this helps someone.

I have a NP700Z5A-S0AUS with the ~8GB iSSD for Express Cache. I successfully did a clean-install (using an upgrade key) of Windows 8.1 from a USB flash drive. I also was able to get the latest Express Cache (1.0.94.0) to work on my machine.

Here's what I did after I installed and updated everything I wanted to:

1. Click Start and type: CMD
2. Right click on the Command Prompt icon and select "Run as administrator" at the bottom.
3. Type: diskpart
4. Type: list disk
5. Note the disk and its number. Make sure you double check and verify that you are NOT selecting your Windows OS disk. You can tell by the size of the disk. In my case, it was "Disk 1" - your's will probably be that too. You will need to use the SAME number in step 10.
6. Type: select disk 1
7. Type: clean
8. Type: exit
9. Type: cd C:\Program Files\Condusiv Technologies\ExpressCache
10. Type: eccmd -partition 1
11. Type: eccmd -format
12. Type: eccmd -info
13. Reboot your computer
14. Start another elevated command prompt and go to the ExpressCache directory and verify everything is working by typing: eccmd -info
15. Done,

FYI, if you want to use part of the iSSD for hibernation or want to mess around with the partitions, you can do that in Step 10 by adding variables. Type: eccmd without anything after it and you'll get a listing of all the options. Obviously, this presumes that your iSSD is larger than your system RAM. In my case, I have 8GB of RAM so I cannot do this. Besides, I have an SSD as my primary drive now so it really doesn't matter to me. I boot in under 5 seconds! Also, if you're still on a rotational drive (mine was a 5400 RPM!), get an SSD. You will not regret it!

 

Hey everyone,

after going through this whole thread I am pretty sure the EC died on my NP700Z5A-S03DE machine. Does anyone has experience with sendig their laptops in to the German customer support? Apparently a third party firm called "Letmerepair" is handling repairs for samsung. After reading several experiences with this firm, with users saying that they waited up to 6 weeks for their computers and others saying that their laptops came back with scratches and other damages, I might just keep using my Laptop without the EC.

 

Hi Casanova

The iSSD used by ExpressCache is soldered on the motherboard, so if you still have warranty (do you have two years in Germany?) if may be worth it to have it repaired. Certainly it's too expensive to pay for it out of warranty, since it's an entirely new motherboard.

That said, you can use the PC without ExpressCache -- although some members with defect iSSD have reported (I believe in this thread) how it would delay booting while BIOS looks for an iSSD that isn't working.

If you do not have that problem, you could install a hybrid drive instead of the current HDD, which will give you better speed (and less software fuss) than the built-in HDD. I have a NP700Z3A with 750MB 7200rpm HDD and 8GB EXpressCache. Even though the cache does speed up the disk nicely and performance is pretty good, it's still not quite as fast as the 500MB Momentus XT (HDD-SSD hybrid) I bought for my other laptop almost two years ago.

Personally, I would install a small "real" SSD for Windows and programs, and move the HDD to the optical bay. That will be a much faster PC overall, and you can forget about ExpressCache altogether.

 

Hey Dannemand,

thanks for the quick reply! Actually the warranty expires on the 27th of December, so I need to decide whether to send it in or not rather quickly. The thing is that I urgently need my Computer for my studies, so if there would come up any problems with the external service provider that handles the repairs for samsung I would be left without it.

Putting in a second SSD would be a nice solution. Although I am worried that the second HD (even though it is an SSD) will drain the battery faster than with just on HD in it..

First world problems

 

LOL Great perspective, which we'd all be wise to maintain when our computers are acting up.

I don't think you have to worry about increased battery use if you add an SSD and move the HDD to the optical bay. In fact, I would expect significant battery improvement, if you can keep Windows, programs and all settings files (User Folders) on the SSD, so that the HDD stays dormant most of the time. An SSD uses much less power than an HDD.

Did you already receive repair authorization from Samsung? You could contact the repair center and get their estimate.

 

I decided to not send it in but to equip it with an additional SSD over the holidays. I think that is the best solution!
Thanks!

 

I agree, that's what I would do as well in that situation.

 

Help my express cache vanished and has re appeared ,but is only 1.4gb the other 6 have become a unallocated partition,there is no option to delete only to create a simple volume.i can no longer find easy soft ware manager the Samsung web page has two downloads easy launcher and easy manager both however download the software launcher, i don,t know what caused this i was unsuccessfully re loading the intel graphics driver in a bit to make win 7 free games work they say no suitable driver, thanks Alan

 

I have to wonder if you accidentally installed Intel Rapid Start, which could have the effect of re-allocating some of your iSSD (the small SSD used for ExpressCache). You didn't mention your model number, but it sounds like you have a small (8GB) EXpressCache, and those models don't support IRSTRT.

If that is the case, you need to uninstall IRSTRT. It is possible that the ExpressCache partition will automatically be adjusted after removing IRSTRT and rebooting.

(Note: Don't confuse Intel Rapid Start with Intel Rapid Storage -- the latter is your disk driver, and you want to keep that).

Otherwise (if you did NOT install IRSTRT) something else must be wrong, and I suggest re-installing ExpressCache and Settings (if you use Win8) or Easy Settings (if you use Win7) and deleting the current iSSD partitions.

Samsung hasn't updated drivers on their web site for over a year, and all drivers must be pulled using SW Update, which is a newer version of Easy Software Manager. It can be downloaded here.

Try these steps:

1) Uninstall Easy Software Manager and install SW Update. Sometimes Samsung's servers become overloaded, and SW Update cannot connect or find anything, and you just have to try later.

2) In SW Update, use Find Model to lookup model NP880Z5E-X03CA, and download (Export) Settings version 2.0.0.55 (if you use Win8) or Easy Settings version 2.0.0.48 (if you use Win7).

3) Also in SW Update, lookup model NP700Z3A-S03US (or any 2012 model with ExpressCache) and download ExpressCache version 1.0.94. You may have to look in the Win8 driver list to find that version, but it works for both Win7 and Win8.

4) Using Windows Programs and Features control panel, uninstall ExpressCache and Settings (if you use Win7) or Easy Settings (if you use Win7). Reboot.

5) Delete all partitions on the iSSD using Windows Disk Management. If it refuses to delete some, you can download Minitool Partition Wizard (Google it). Don't create any partitions in the iSSD, they will be created automatically by ExpressCache (ignore the MacDisk steps in the opening post of this thread).

6) Install ExpressCache 1.0.94 and reboot. Use the steps in this post to verify that it is working.

7) Install Settings 2.0.0.55 (if you use Win8) or Easy Settings 2.0.0.48 (if you use Win7). Reboot. [Easy] Settings should have an ExpressCache tab.

Assuming you get it all running, use the following steps to optimize your system and preload the cache:

1) Use CCleaner and Disk Cleanup to get rid of unnecessary files on your Windows drive. If you let Disk Cleanup remove Windows Update (several hundred MB) you MUST let it finish without interruption.

2) Defrag the Windows drive.

3) Run BOOTOPT.BAT in the ExpressCache folder (C:\Program Files\Condusiv Technologies\ExpressCache). It should take awhile; if it completes instantly, defrag one more time, then try BOOTOPT again.

Hope this works to get your ExpressCache going again.

 

Hello. First of all, sorry if my english is not good.

I have and Samsung NP530U4C with 1Tb HDD and 24Gb iSSD. From a time ago, iSSD "dissapeared", I can't see it in Disk Manager, and ECCmd -info returns:
HFS Volume is not mounted
**ERROR** ECCmd Requested device is not available : 2.

Boot time is too long, HDD led stays on wainting for "something" and minutes later boots.

Any help? Could iSSD dissapeared? Failure? How can I enabled it back?

Thanks a lot.

 

Hi lotero, welcome to NBR,

I suggest you try the steps I described in the post just above yours, to uninstall/reinstall ExpressCache and Settings (or Easy Settings if you use Win7).

 

Dannemand, thanks a lot for you answer.
I've tried all that steps but iSSD remains dissapeared. Do you know if it's possible that formatting it may have cause to dissapear?

Thanks again.

 

Lassern, have you solved that? I have the same problem.

Thanks

 

How did you format it (which tool)? And did you also delete or change partitions on it?

In order for ExpressCache to function, the iSSD must be same partition style as the Windows installation: On a Win8/UEFI/GPT system, the iSSD must be GPT as well. On a Win7/BIOS/MBR system, the iSSD must be MBR.

If you tell us which Windows version your system came with (and whether you reinstalled, and if so how) that will help us diagnose.

Do know that some owners have found their iSSD to suffer an early death. Nothing you can do in that case, other than (A) replace the motherboard or (B) uninstall ExpressCache and live without it.

 

Hi lotero,

The post you quoted is almost two years old, and whatever problems users had with the version of ExpressCache back then are not the same as with the current version. For one thing, you should NOT need to do the MacDisk thing or otherwise manually create or change partitions for ExpressCache.

The first thing to try if you have ExpressCache problems are the steps listed here (just a few posts before yours).

If that doesn't solve it, it can be caused EITHER by a change in the Windows installation (between UEFI/GPT mode and BIOS/MBR mode) OR by a defect iSSD. Admittedly, we have had a few cases where the problem turned out to be something else -- but they are few, and all of them are in this thread (as I recall).

 

I formated it when I made a clean Win7 installation. Really, I don't remember if I try to install Win8 anytime.
My system came with Win7, I've Win7 now, reinstalled by recover.

Today I try booting with and Win8 pendrive, going to personalized installation but I can't be able to see iSSD neither.

Considering two options you tell me, if I (B) uninstall ExpressCache, that will not reduce booting time, that's right? (when I say booting time I'm talking about the time the system "hangs" with HHD led on, waiting for "someting" until it starts boot procedure)

Thanks again for helping me.

 

OK, thank you for the additional information.

If your iSSD is physically defect (so the system cannot see it) uninstalling the ExpressCache software will likely speed up your boot time, because the software will not hang while looking for the iSSD. ExpressCache does indeed speed up your system and your boot time, but only if it's working correctly. If the iSSD is defect, uninstalling ExpressCache may be your only choice.

I don't like that you were not able to see the iSSD when you booted Win8 Setup. Another question: Did you change the UEFI setting in your BIOS at any point? I ask because it can cause the iSSD to "disappear" if it gets converted to GPT.

You could try and restore your BIOS to default settings, then save settings and power cycle (power off/on). That will flush some BIOS tables and maybe let it re-discover the iSSD.

Also, try if the free Minitool Partition Wizard (Google it) is able to see the iSSD and any partitions on it. If it is able to see it, proceed with the steps form my earlier post to you ( here), but before re-installing ExpressCache, use Minitool Partition Wizard to initialize the iSSD and convert it to MBR.

I seem to remember that one or two members were were able to revive a dead/invisible iSSD (not just a messed up ExpressCache installation) and posted it in this thread. Unfortunately I don't remember who or when, but if you keep reading through it, you may be able to find it. You can also Google site:notebookreview.com/samsung expresscache issd partition dead visible or similar searches.

 

Thanks a lot, Dannemand! I will try with with options you write.

Yes, I changed UEFI setting when trying to solve this. I should let it active, right?

Happy new year and thanks again!

 

Ah, I think we have the reason then - which is good, because it means the iSSD is probably not defect then. But it can be a little complicated to fix - and I'm on my phone now (tapatalk).

Basically, if you have an UEFI/GPT Windows installation, you need to convert your iSSD to GPT before installing ExpressCache. And if you have a BIOS/MBR Windows installation, you need to convert your iSSD to MBR before installing ExpressCache. Use Windows Disk Management, DISKPART or Minitool to convert it.

I recommend installing Win7 in legacy BIOS mode (non-UEFI) and Win8 in whatever mode the laptop came with (to avoid losing Recovery). You cannot (and should not) change UEFI settings without reinstalling Windows. Your UEFI setting and whether disks are GPT or MBR determine whether they show up in Windows Setup.

Edit: Here is some good (and important) reading about UEFI and GPT.

Microsoft UEFI/GPT articles
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd799232(v=WS.10).aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/gg463525.aspx

Microsoft Win8 MBR or GPT style
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn336946.aspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh825112.aspx

Oh, and Happy New Year to you as all. And everybody who sees this

 

ok thanks ill give it a go ,when i get home. away for the new year, and need my machine so don,t want to make it worse,, it takes 12 -15 mins to boot? it is a chronos 700z5c running 7 ultimate.ill report back THANKS FOR NOW Alan

 

he only new intel product i have installed is the graphics driver to try to get win 7 games workinking and i can only find the rapid storage you mention,

 

Ok got it. So it's not Intel Rapid Start which caused your iSSD partitions to change. Yes, try those uninstall/reinstall steps (getting the latest ExpressCache and Settings from SW Update first, and deleting iSSD partitions in between). Hopefully that fixes it.

Since your EC is working (just a small cache partition) reinstalling the software should be harmless - but of course I cannot guarantee anything, I'm just giving the best advice I know

 

i don't know whats going on here ,i downloaded the partition tool and it now show yet another partition in the issd disk making 3, ,the pc boots much quicker with the EC off making me think there is a problem and it is searching for the EC on boot,i am not sure how to delete the partitions do i have to make them ntfs the 6gb partition has no option to delete or merge; this is a bit deep knowledge for me

 

It is GREAT that Minitool Partition Wizard can see the iSSD

Now just follow the exact steps I gave you in this post, but in Step 5, use Minitool to initialize the iSSD and convert it to either GPT (if you installed WIndows in UEFI mode) or to MBR (if you installed WIndows in non-UEFI legacy BIOS mode). It should be the same style (GPT or MBR) as the disk containing your Windows partition. In either case, make sure there are no partitions on the iSSD before you re-install ExpressCache.

 

Dannemand, today I disabled UEFI and started Win7 installation CD. With my fingers crossed I selected Custom Installation..... only one disk was visible, Disk 0, 1024Gb

I'm beggining to think that iSSD is dead. The only thing that let me a hope is that one day, a driver installation appeared and it was Sandisk i100 SSD driver. So, in somewhere, it's (or was) alive...... but where!?

Thanks a lot.

 

If the UEFI settings have been messed with, that can prevent WIndows Setup from seeing the iSSD (depending on the current UEFI setting and whether the iSSD is GOT or MBR).

But you said Minitool Partition Wizard was able to see the iSSD. Windows Setup is just a tool you can use when no OS is installed, it is hardly the best tool.

Once again, try and just uninstall ExpressCache and Easy Settings, then initialize the the iSSD i Minitool and convert it to GPT (if you have an UEFI installation) or MBR (if you have a legacy BIOS installation), then re-install the ExpressCache 1.0.0.94 and Easy Settings 2.0.0.48. See if that doesn't get ExpressCache working again.

 

@lotero and @sooty757: I apologize, I got your cases mixed up in my head. I am sorry if my posts from earlier today caused any confusion

Let me see if I can get this straight again without having to re-read the last several pages:

@lotero: Your iSSD seems to have vanished, correct? It is probably caused by the iSSD having been changed to GPT when you enabled UEFI mode and installed Windows at some point, though it could also be a defect iSSD. Things you can try (some of which you may have already tried, in which case I apologize):

1) Reset BIOS settings to default, save, power off, power on. Sometimes this will help BIOS re-detect drives, and the iSSD may show up.

2) Look in both Windows Disk Management, DISKPART and Minitool Partition Wizard: If you are able to see the drive in any of those, initialize it, and convert it to MBR (assuming your current installation is legacy BIOS/MBR. If your current installation is UEFI, you need to convert it to GPT).

3) Finally, you can try booting a Linux LiveCD (I have used Parted Magic) and check if you are able to see the iSSD there.

If all of those fail, I agree the iSSD may have died. In that case you are better off uninstalling ExpressCache and running without it.

@sooty757: You had new partitions showing up on your iSSD, correct? This is very strange, and other than Intel Rapid Start (which you don't have) I cannot think of what might be causing it.

You need to follow the steps in this post. When you have uninstalled ExpressCache and Easy Settings, use Minitool Partition Wizard to delete the partitions: Right-click the Disk (NOT the individual partitions) and select Delete All Partitions. Then re-install ExpressCache 1.0.0.94 and Easy Settings 2.0.0.48.

 

Dannemand, thanks again.
One thing.... when UEFI is Disabled, system boots faster than when is not. Now I installed Win8 with UEFI enabled, it's not boot as fast as when all was ok but is not so slow. It could be possible? Or is fortuity? You recommend to let UEFI Disabled?

I can't see iSSD using Minitool Partition or Windows Disk Manager. Could iSSD be physically dead or could be a format/software problem?

Thanks!

 

UEFI is OK on newer Samsung models, but older models (originally delivered with Win7) are best kept with UEFI disabled. But you cannot just change UEFI, it affects everything: The disk must be wiped and converted and Windows re-installed.

See this post from earlier today when someone asked a similar question.

I don't think the iSSD is physically dead (although it could be). I think something happened when you installed in UEFI mode, that caused it not to show up. Older Samsung Win7 models had bugs in their UEFI code which caused all kinds of weird problems -- including some bricks.

 

I'm giving up, Dannemand!! I have booted with Slax, a Linux Live CD and iSSD can't be seen.

I don't know if I can do anything more to try to revive it.

Thank you for your help!

 

I understand completely, you've been quite persistent already. We did have some other cases where the iSSD disappeared - and a few managed to bring it back, but others didn't. It's in this thread somewhere in the last year.

If this were to happen to my Sammy (14in Series 7, 8GB ExpressCache) I'll just replace the HDD with an SSD and move the HDD to the optical bay - and forget all about EC. It'll be much faster that way too.

 

One quetion about that.
Now a day, when boot, system "hangs" waiting for (I suppose) the iSSD disk, then a blue bar at lower right corner of screen appears and the boots.All this steps take a time (specially the "waiting")
If I replace HDD by and SSD, that time will be reduced?

Is a very good option an SSD for system and HDD (mine is 1Tb) in the optical bay.

Regards.

 

Sounds like it is hanging trying to look for that missing iSSD. If it's WIndows hanging, you may be able to delete the device, so it doesn't look for it. See this Microsoft article for advice on how to view non-present devices in Device Manager, so you can delete it.

But if it's BIOS hanging, that is a real problem. You can disable Fast BIOS/Fast Boot (in BIOS settings) but that's really all. If it still hangs looking for that iSSD, I am afraid you could be looking at a motherboard replacement

Of course I assume you already uninstalled ExpressCache so it's not looking for the iSSD.

 

Well, my friend, I have a new challenge for you.....
After install Windows 8 (updated to 8.1) and used for one day, I went back to Windows 7, with system recovery.
With Win8 system boots faster, but when it sleeps didn't wake up again.

Well, back to Win7...... after install, I let it alone for a while and when I touched it again, it waked up, and what happend.......


So, I suspect that iSSD is alive but for some reason system can't see it.

Looking for it in registry, I can find this:




Beyond that, I can't find it in Device Manager or Disk Manager.

The mystery continues........