A user reports that their desktop PC no longer shows an additional storage device that contains vital project data. You confirm the device is powered and the internal connections are secure. After a system restart, the device is still not visible within the file explorer. What should be the MOST likely next step to troubleshoot this problem?
Update the drivers for the interface controllers on the system motherboard, then perform another system restart.
Inspect the disk management utility to determine if the device is listed there and to ensure it is properly initialized and assigned a drive letter.
Replace the internal data cables as they might be defective.
Examine all external connectors to confirm that the device isn't erroneously connected via an external interface.
When a storage device is confirmed to be powered and internally connected but not visible in the file explorer, the next step should be to check the disk management utility. It is possible the drive does not have an assigned drive letter, or it is not initialized, which would prevent it from appearing in the file explorer, but it might still be visible within the disk management. The other provided answers are less likely to resolve the issue at this stage. Updating interface controller drivers or replacing the interface data cable would be premature because if these were the issues, the drive typically wouldn't appear in disk management either. Reviewing external connections would not be relevant since the issue is with an internally mounted storage device.
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