connecting HDD to PC via usb?

timberflake

I've got an external USB HDD thats stopped working, when I power it up I can hear the HDD whirling away but my PC doesn't recognise it. I think the caddies !!!!!!ed! Instead of buying a new caddie, is there a cable that will plug into the HDD (IDE) and into my PC via USB? I'm thinking that if there is it must ben cheaper than buying a whole new caddie! Would appreciate any advice.

Anthony2oo5

Caddies arnt that much to buy. You can get them on ebay, think mine was £10 - £15. If you open it though you will more than likely find that it is an IDE hard drive so simply plug it into your motherboard..

You can get IDE to usb cables but it would be around teh same price as a new caddy, so might as well just buy the caddy.

http://www.amazon.com/USB-Cable-Adapter-2-5-Inch-3-5-Inch/dp/B000I0VIYE

timberflake

Anthony2oo5 wrote: »

Caddies arnt that much to buy. You can get them on ebay, think mine was £10 - £15. If you open it though you will more than likely find that it is an IDE hard drive so simply plug it into your motherboard..

You can get IDE to usb cables but it would be around teh same price as a new caddy, so might as well just buy the caddy.

http://www.amazon.com/USB-Cable-Adapter-2-5-Inch-3-5-Inch/dp/B000I0VIYE

I tried opening the case and fitting the drive but blew the power supply so won't be doing that again! Any idea where I can get a cable from??

totalsolutions

IDE cables have 40 data wires USB has 2 where do use suggest you put the other 38? can't do it.

weegie.geek

totalsolutions wrote: »

IDE cables have 40 data wires USB has 2 where do use suggest you put the other 38? can't do it.

IDE has 40 or 80. More likely 80 if the cable was made this side of Y2K.

I could give you a suggestion of where you can put the other 38 though, if you really want? :rolleyes:

Now, when the person's already been replied to several times, what does you trying to be a smart !!!! add to the conversation?

@ the OP, the usb>ide cables aren't intended for an in-use drive, they're for connecting a drive quickly to get data on/off it. The drive won't be protected from knocks, static, spilled drinks or whatever. If you're going to be using the drive regularly you really want to get an external drive caddy.

These aren't particularly pretty but the price is right. Don't forget your quidco too.

geordie458

Ive got one of these http://www.ebuyer.com/product/130517
it works with 3.5" HDD using a power supply included, or with a 2.5" HDD without power supply. Theyre not pretty and the HDD isnt protected in any way as mentioned elsewhere but they work fine.

mdbarber

sorta wondering how he blew the psu!

timberflake

totalsolutions wrote: »

IDE cables have 40 data wires USB has 2 where do use suggest you put the other 38? can't do it.

Thats funny, a workmate of mine has one and was the person that told me about it! Firstly, make sure you have your facts right and secondly, if you don't have anything meaningful to contribute hush your mush!

espresso

timberflake wrote: »

Thats funny, a workmate of mine has one and was the person that told me about it! Firstly, make sure you have your facts right and secondly, if you don't have anything meaningful to contribute hush your mush!

I think that you are referring to one of these e.g. here

totalsolutions

timberflake wrote: »

I tried opening the case and fitting the drive but blew the power supply so won't be doing that again! Any idea where I can get a cable from??

:rotfl: :rotfl: :T :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :T

Well hush my mush then