Internal HDD used as External HDD?

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Dear Forum,

I have a HDD that I removed when installing a new one, and would like to use it again as an External HDD. Is this possible? It is a Maxtor 80GB SATA, and I have a Dell Dimension 4700 P4. If I remember correctly, there are extra cable assemblies inside. Do I simply buy an extender cable, and plug it in? Are there cables made for this? How would I access the HDD after hooking it up?

Thanks alot!

Best regards,
Mike

 

[JJ 3000]

Yes there are several kits you can buy that will convert your internal HD to an external HD. Instructions are usually included with the kit.  You can try radio shack or serveral online retailers for these conversion kits.
Like here: http://www.shopzilla.com/6L--Tower_Drive_Cases_-_cat_id--466__start--201

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Hi,

Me again. I just looked inside, and there is a second frame under the HDD that looks like it would mount a second HDD. Is this the way to go? There are two cables on the one installed. A multi-conductor wide one, and a small one. It looks like there are extra wide ones, but not another small one. Do I buy a jumper for the small one?

Thanks again!
Mike

[JJ 3000]

Well it would depend on if you want to use the old HD for extra storage on this machine or if you would like to make it a portable HD that you can carry around with you. Do you need a lot of storage space on that computer,or would you rather be able to carry your data around with you for easy acces on other peoples computers?

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Thanks for your reply, JJ! I was just looking at the enclosures.

I think mounting it inside would be preferred. I can use a memory stick for transferring data. Do you know if there are usually cables installed already for this?

Regards,
Mike

[quaxo]

Most IDE cables have 2 plugs on them for drives. If the one you have doesn't have 2, you can buy one for a few bucks. When all is connected, make sure the jumper on the back of the new drive is set to "Master" and the second drive is set to "Slave".

[Dias de verano]

Most IDE cables have 2 plugs on them for drives.

It is a Maxtor 80GB SATA

[quaxo]

Most IDE cables have 2 plugs on them for drives.

It is a Maxtor 80GB SATA

DOH!

Well, a lot of motherboards have 2 SATA ports 

Get another SATA cable.