How to Fix ‘Detection Error on HDD0 (Main HDD)’ in Lenovo Devices?

When encountering the “Detection Error on HDD0 (Main HDD)” on a Lenovo device, users usually experience a failure to boot the system, often accompanied by a black screen or an error message at startup.

This error code means that the system BIOS is unable to communicate with the hard drive, suggesting a potential hardware failure. The most common cause of this error is a faulty connection between the hard drive and the motherboard, or the hard drive itself could be failing.

In some cases, this issue may also be caused by a BIOS glitch or a recent system update that did not complete successfully. Sometimes the issue is due to a mismatch between the Chipset Driver and the Intel RST driver. Thankfully, Lenovo has released a fix which is applied by updating the HDD/SSD firmware using the Auto_updater utility.

If the error appears after the computer enters Sleep or Hibernation mode, it may be because the storage device can’t automatically recover. Resolve this by setting SATA to Compatibility mode, boot up, and then revert to AHCI.

1. Remove the Battery or CMOS Battery

An error as such, may originate from a glitch held in place by the CMOS or laptop battery. This can happen after hardware changes or if the system shuts down unexpectedly, leading to incorrect BIOS/UEFI settings—commonly because of conflicting overclocking data.

Option 1: Removing the Laptop Battery

1. Unplug the laptop from the power outlet and disconnect the power cable.
2. Flip the laptop to view its bottom.
3. Locate the battery latch on the underside and unlock it to release the battery. You may need to pull gently once unlocked.

   

   Note: The procedure varies among manufacturers but usually involves sliding the latch and holding it until the battery comes free.

4. After waiting a full minute with the battery removed, re-insert it and turn on the laptop to verify if the issue is fixed.

Option 2: Removing the CMOS Battery

1. Shutdown the computer and disconnect it from all power sources. Turn off the power supply unit (PSU) switch on the back.

   

2. Gently remove the slide cover, preferably while wearing a static wristband for grounding.
   Note: Wearing a static wristband is advisable to prevent static discharge which could damage PC components.
3. On locating the CMOS battery near the SATA/ATI slots on the motherboard, carefully remove it using a fingernail or a non-conductive tool.

   

4. Leave it out for a full minute before reinserting it into its slot.
5. Replace the cover, reconnect the power, and power on your computer to see if the startup issue persists.

2. Make sure that the HDD Connection is Solid

Check the HDD connection is solid to resolve the issue. A loose connection between the hard drive and motherboard can result in the message. Reconnecting the HDD firmly can fix this problem as it ensures proper communication between the hard drive and the system’s motherboard, allowing the BIOS to detect the HDD without any issues.

Hence, making sure that a stable connection can resolve the error and enable the system to boot successfully.

1. Power down and unplug your computer.
   Optional: Use an anti-static wrist strap while working inside your PC to prevent static damage to internal components.
2. Open the case to access the HDD; if there are two, focus on the one having the OS.
3. Disconnect the data and power cables from the HDD and motherboard.

   

4. Clean the ports on both sides and replace any cables if necessary.
5. Reconnect the HDD firmly, close the case, and power up to check if the error is resolved.

3. Enable UEFI Boot Mode

Switching from Legacy First to UEFI first mode in BIOS settings has resolved the boot issue for many, with the option located in different places depending on the model.

If you have a newer motherboard with UEFI and BIOS, selecting UEFI First Mode could be the solution:

1. Turn on your PC and press the Setup key repeatedly upon seeing the initial startup screen. This key varies, but common ones include F2, F4, F6, F8, Del, and Esc.

   

2. In BIOS, navigate to advanced settings and find the option for Boot / Legacy Boot Priority, likely under the Boot settings.
3. Modify this to prioritize UEFI.
   
4. Save these settings, exit BIOS, and reboot to see if the problem has been corrected.

4. Update Lenovo’s HDD Firmware (If Applicable)

Lenovo laptop users, particularly those with ThinkPads, may encounter this error due to an incompatibility between the Chipset Driver and Intel RST driver. Lenovo provides a hotfix for this that involves updating the firmware.

IMPORTANT: Begin by removing the OS HDD and connecting it to a working computer as a secondary storage device.

Download Lenovo’s auto-updater using this link, extract it, launch fwwbinsd.exe, grant admin permissions, select the problematic drive, and click Start update.

Reconnect the HDD to the original computer to see if the error has been resolved.

5. Wake the Drive Manually from Hibernation

If the error occurs when a storage device gets stuck in Hibernation, you can fix it by switching the BIOS SATA controller mode to Compatibility to wake the drive, then revert it back to AHCI once normal function is restored.

1. Power on the computer, press the Setup (BIOS key), and enter BIOS settings.

   

2. Go to Devices or the corresponding section to change the SATA Controller Mode Option to Compatible, waking the drive from its resting state.

   

3. Save your modifications, boot up, and later reenter BIOS to switch the IDE Configuration menu back to AHCI.

   

4. Save and restart to finalize the fix.

If none above methods succeed, and you’re using a Lenovo laptop, the problem may be originating from a BIOS glitch. In this case, updating the BIOS could provide a resolution.

However, if updating the BIOS is not an option for you, a temporary workaround may facilitate a normal boot. But keep in mind, this fix is only provisional and the error could reoccur upon next system startup.

1. Boot the computer and repeatedly press the F10 key at the initial screen.
2. The error will still appear—this is expected.
3. At the error screen, press Esc. Wait to be directed to the Lenovo Diagnostics screen.

   

4. Perform the Quick Memory test and the Quick Storage Device test.
5. If both tests pass, exit the diagnostics and check if the system boots without the error message.

Persistent error messages could indicate hardware failure, requiring further diagnostics by a professional technician.