How do I turn IDE hard drive into External usb drive

robd831

I now have a IDE 160 gb hard drive which I wish to use as an external usb2 storage. How do I do this and what will I need to buy. I will use it only as a storage device.
Thanks in advance Rob

niceguyrichy

You need to buy something like this is all.
They're usually called something along the lines of 'external drive enclosures' , so just shop around until you find a good deal

robd831

Thanks i will look for one to sort out my problems

wolfman

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Hard_Drive_Accessories_72.html

I've got one of the Icy Box enclosures. They're generally very good. If you see one you like just chuck it in to Google and see what reviews come up.

sevlow

You can buy for about £7-8 a USB to IDE cable that I think you will be able to use to connect an internal HDD via a USB port. Not sure you even need the enclosure.

Maybe someone can advise

fairytooth

Its neater and better with an enclosure. The USB to IDE works fine with 2.5" HDD (ie laptop drive) but needs separate power supply to run 3.5" drive - and it all looks a bit messy if you care how your workstation looks.

Just remember whichever set up you choose, the jumper settings should be set to master as it doesn't act as a slave drive in the conventional IDE sense.

shammyjack

wolfman wrote:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Hard_Drive_Accessories_72.html

I've got one of the Icy Box enclosures. They're generally very good. If you see one you like just chuck it in to Google and see what reviews come up.

I second the Icybox suggestion, i have one with a Seagate 120 Gb drive in it for my own and my sons backups, he also takes it to colledge for his Bteck construction course work .

shammy