Computer Hardware Gurus Please

[knucklehead 530]

Decommissioned one of my old XP machines. Wanted to put the almost new 180g hard drive, in my running XP machine, I use for the printer. Wanted to make it a slave, have two HDs, but the wiring won't allow it. So, I'm thinking of making it into an external HD. Other than mounting it in a case, how do ya hook up an internal HD, to make it a external USB? Or, can ya? It has a lot of stuff on it, I want to keep.

[greenmachine 52]

If it is an older machine, you probably have an IDE hard drive. If so it was probably set as a master drive. Just Google the drive and you will see how to change the jumper to make it a slave.You might have to change the cable to a standard IDE cable on your system board or make sure you are using the middle connector for the slave drive.

 

To put it in a case just make sure the case supports your type of hard drive.Then just plug it in to a USB port on the computer and it will come up.

[GraphxNMore 282]

There are cables you can buy that plug in the hard drive on one end, USB on the other.

[Dakotagrafx 7,297]

I agree with greenmachine  - but i always keep one of these handy when working on computers

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-2-0-to-IDE-SATA-S-ATA-2-5-3-5-Hard-Drive-HD-HDD-Converter-Adapter-Cable-New-/331250999094?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d20191f36

if getting anexternal case make sure to get the right one either ide (wide connector) or sata (small connector (data))


http://www.reclaime.com/library/how-to-tell-ide-from-sata.aspx

[knucklehead 530]

Thanks. That's what I'm needing is the kit, and a case. When I replaced the motherboard, the second time, I replaced the power supply too. The wires from the power, arn't long enough to reach the first, and second drive bay.

[Command 97]

Here is the solution to your woes good sir.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812189190&ignorebbr=1&cm_re=sata_power_extension-_-12-189-190-_-Product

 

Have a good day!

[Dakotagrafx 7,297]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812400144&ignorebbr=1&cm_re=sata_power_extension-_-12-400-144-_-Product


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6J32GE4207&cm_re=sata_power_extension-_-9SIA6J32GE4207-_-Product

power extensions

[Command 97]

Also on a technical level:

 

1:  SATA hard drives do not have master/slave status. That was reserved for legacy IDE drives that had jumpers.

2: USB 2.0 can not provide enough power to spin up a 3.5" desktop drive. Any external enclosure needs additional power or will have two USB plugs

3: If you purchase an external enclosure, try to purchase one with a built in fan. Many mechanical drives run hot in a very enclosed area, which takes from its lifespan markedly.

[knucklehead 530]

Yep, got to go with an external case. Other drive is IDE. Thanks Ya'll.