Linux SATA controllers not recognize my attached hard disk devices

Posted on in Categories , , , , , last updated January 16, 2007

Q. Why Linux is not detecting or recognize my attached hard disk? How do I install Linux on SATA hard disks?

A. Go to your BIOS setup

Press F1/F2 or Del key to enter into BIOS setup

Now turn the ICH8 controller in AHCI mode

Save settings reboot system

Now Linux installer should see disk. Read this previous FAQ for more information.

Posted by: Vivek Gite

The author is the creator of nixCraft and a seasoned sysadmin and a trainer for the Linux operating system/Unix shell scripting. He has worked with global clients and in various industries, including IT, education, defense and space research, and the nonprofit sector. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Google+.

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4 comment

  3. I am having trouble getting my AMD64 desktop, running Fedora 9, to recognize an external SATA hard drive, using USB. The system utilizes an internal SATA h/d for its primary storage. The system works fine for all other external devices including IDE drives, thumb drives, etc. Any help would be appreciated. TIA

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  4. Thank you! This completely fixed my Ophcrack “no hashes found” problem. The C: drive couldn’t even be detected without AHCI mode enabled in the bios :)

    Thanks again, you’re the best!

    Craig

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