how to connect internal HDD to other computer via USB
#1
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how to connect internal HDD to other computer via USB
I have a couple of old HDD's from computers that are no longer used and would like to transfer some stuff off of them onto a computer that I use now. What is the best inexpensive way to do this? Is there not a cable or connector that I can use that just plugs into the old hard drive and has a usb cable at the end or am I nuts for thinking it could be that easy?
#2
Being cheap I'd just take the cover off the computer, lay the hard drive in the bottom, and connect it up but you can also buy external hard drive enclosures.
Example: http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-RX35-...+enclosure+3.5
Example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-LDGJ-USB...item2c8cb9aec7
Example: http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-RX35-...+enclosure+3.5
Example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-LDGJ-USB...item2c8cb9aec7
#3
I bought a external hard drive enclosure for less than 10 bucks at the local computer store.
It has the power supply and IDE and Sato connectors.
It is USB though and pretty slow. I've had mine for awhile, maybe now they have USB 3.0
It has the power supply and IDE and Sato connectors.
It is USB though and pretty slow. I've had mine for awhile, maybe now they have USB 3.0
#4
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I have a couple of the enclosures that Handyone described. Some have more adapters that others & can handle more types of drives. Make sure that you buy what you need. If you don't want to boot from the drive in the enclosure, connect it after you boot your machine, then see what drive letter Windows gave it.
#5
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I have a drive hooked up to the laptop I'm on now with an enclosure.
The one I'm using is permanent, as the drive is screwed into place. There are others which are designed for swapping where the drives can be inserted and removed about like doing so with a floppy disk back in the day. I would think you would want more of the latter.
The one I'm using is permanent, as the drive is screwed into place. There are others which are designed for swapping where the drives can be inserted and removed about like doing so with a floppy disk back in the day. I would think you would want more of the latter.
#6
If you just want to transfer some stuff as a onetime thing...depending on your PC you may just be able to open it up, pull out the spare connectors on the P/S and off the MB, connect the drive, then fire the PC up and do your work.
I've done that more than once, but it all depends on types of drive connections and what you have in your PC, as well as if you have the working room.
A hot swappable drive dock is much easier if all the drives are the same type of connection.
I've done that more than once, but it all depends on types of drive connections and what you have in your PC, as well as if you have the working room.
A hot swappable drive dock is much easier if all the drives are the same type of connection.
#7
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Here's an example of a swappable dock which can handle 2.5 and 3.5" drives:
Amazon.com: StarTech.com USB to SATA External Hard Drive Docking Station for 2.5 or 3.5in HDD: Electronics
Amazon.com: StarTech.com USB to SATA External Hard Drive Docking Station for 2.5 or 3.5in HDD: Electronics
#9
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Here is one the professionals like Amazon.com: SABRENT USB 3.0 TO SATA/IDE 2.5/3.5/5.25-INCH Hard Drive Converter With Power Supply & LED Activity Lights [4TB Support] (USB-DSC9): Computers & Accessories . I haven't bought one yet but plan to as I have some old hard drives I want to test and see if they are any good before selling them eventually on e-bay. What I like about this is that it has an external power supply that takes some of the burden off of your USB port and can be used with either SATA or IDE drives.
#10
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Thanks for the great info. Been busy with family medical issues and haven't done anything till now. But thanks
#11
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They have IDE to USB and also SATA to USB cables but you'll also need a power source for the hard drive.
An external enclosure is probably the best option (these are cheap).
An external enclosure is probably the best option (these are cheap).
#12
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Thread Starter
If I use this item:
Amazon.com: Rosewill RX35-AT-IU BLK Aluminum 3.5-Inch IDE to USB 2.0 External Enclosure (Black): Computers & Accessories
will I be able to use this to write to old HDD as well as reading from it? Thinking if I can use this to make old HDD a back up storage.
Amazon.com: Rosewill RX35-AT-IU BLK Aluminum 3.5-Inch IDE to USB 2.0 External Enclosure (Black): Computers & Accessories
will I be able to use this to write to old HDD as well as reading from it? Thinking if I can use this to make old HDD a back up storage.
#13
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Yes. I have another one from the same company on my desk being used in that capacity right now.