Attatching a second Hard-drive

[Gliff]

Hey all.

I asked about this a while ago, but we finally managed to throw out my old PC, and in the process, we removed the magnetic tape section (I hope it's the hard-drive!) to keep. I've got some nice files on this tape that I havent been able to access for ages, and even though it's only 10gb, if possible, it'd make a nice addition to my current PC to add extra storage space. I wondered whether anyone knew how I could go about attatching a second hard-drive? I could get into the CPU and fiddle around if I need to, but a simple way of doing it would be great. I know you can get things like external harddrives, is there any easy way of getting an external harddrive hub to stick the tape in so that it goes through a USB port etc?

Thanks!

[ale52]

Your post is unclear.  What do you mean by "magnetic tape section"?  Is it from a tape drive?

Alan <>< 

[Gliff]

Okay, yah, just the Hard Drive I used to study Computing and for some reason I randomly pick words that I can remember to explain things which probably aren't even related!

Edit: Ahh right, I meant Magnetic Disk.

[BC_Programmer]

you didn't physically remove the magnetic platters, did you?

Otherwise you should just refer to it as a hard drive.

if it's from an old computer- it's probably IDE.

You'll need to confirm that you have a free IDE connector within your computer- most likely, you do.

[Gliff]

Oh noo, haven't touched it aside from taking it out of the CPU. I'll check about the IDE Connector thing.

[patio]

If it is in fact a hard drive and it's IDE  Clik Here...

[Gliff]

Oh wow, thanks patio - that's the perfect explanation. I'm gonna have a go at it sometime tomorrow I guess. (I also have to get the vaccuum out to remove the piles of dust from within my CPU, urgh).

[patio]

Please DO NOT use a vaccuum ! !
The amount of static produced can literally fry expensive components.

Get a can of compressed air instead...available at any PC /electronics store
When blowing fans hold them gently in place with a QTip.
As always when working inside the case remove all power sources and take anti-static precautions.

[Gliff]

Thanks for the warning patio, i'd hate to have fried my PC. Dust is all gone now. I tried sticking my harddrive in last night, but it seems to be very clustered in my CPU tower, so I probably need to get an extra power connector splitting thing so that it reaches the harddrive i'm putting in. I've had a look at a few on Amazon, but there seem to be alot of power connector splitters (If i'm making no sense with that terminology; this is what I mean - http://www.bestcableforless.com/prodimages/CC2126Y_LR.jpg) - is there any specific type I should get, or is any OK?

[patio]

The one you linked to is for floppy drives...Click Here  for a picture of what you need.
These will be available at any PC store in your area...