Question New Drive, Windows won’t boot

Jan 26, 2025
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I run a Windows-based PLEX server. I recently bought a new 8TB drive for more storage. After installing, Windows will no longer boot giving me a SYSTEM THREAD EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED error. Running on an old Asrock H97M. 1 SSD (Windows Installed here) and 3 HDDs installed (media files), this would be the 4th HDD.
New drive is ST8000DMZO4. I had this same issue and took it to a computer shop nearby when I added a 4GB Seagate last year who fixed the issue. They didn't tell me what the fix was at the time, but exact same issue this time.
The drive correctly shows up in the BIOS but Windows will not recognize it. I've turning on the Hot Swap option for that SATA port, loading Windows with the new drive unplugged, then plugging in the SATA cable once Windows has booted but it instantly gives me the Blue Screen of Death when I plug it in.
Blos firmware is up to date.
Any ideas? I'm no expert here, but no noob either. Would like to avoid the $50-$100 for that place to install what should be a very easy addition to the PC.
 
I’ve also unplugged all drives except for my SSD that runs windows and this new drive. I had this exact same issue 1yr ago with the old drive that shop ended up getting working. There is something between a new HDD and my motherboard or Windows that just doesn’t want to connect.