Use this diagnostic comparison only when a known non-system secondary disk is associated with the delay or crash. The source reports include a former Windows HDD left connected after migration and a secondary SSD associated with UNEXPECTED_STORE_EXCEPTION. A stop code alone does not identify a failed disk.
- Back up readable files from the suspected secondary disk. Record its model, connections and volumes.
- Prove that the disk contains neither the running Windows installation nor the boot files Windows currently uses. A disk that looks like data storage can still hold the active boot partition. If this cannot be established, stop.
- Shut down completely and disconnect external power. Follow the computer manufacturer’s service procedure, or have a qualified technician isolate that one disk.
- Start the same Windows installation with every other variable unchanged. Repeat the operation or startup sequence that previously failed.
- Do not format or erase the disk as an isolation test. Preserve an unstable disk for data recovery rather than repeatedly reconnecting it.
Compare boot time and the original workload with the disk isolated. Improvement establishes an association with that drive/path, not automatically a failed SSD. Check the disk, connection and power path before replacement. Restore the recorded connection only when the disk is safe to reconnect; otherwise keep it disconnected and protect its data.