How To Connect an Xbox HD to a PC

The Xbox video game console has become less popular in the wake of newer, next-generation models. Removing the Xbox's hard drive to use in a PC would seem a sensible way to avoid having to buy another computer hard drive. However, the Xbox hard drive is locked so that it can only be used with the game console. Unlocking the Xbox hard drive so that it can be used in a PC requires altering the "firmware" on the hard drive. The procedure will not damage the hard drive or the Xbox but requires some knowledge of the connectors that are found inside of a computer.

Things You'll Need

• PC
• IDE internal data connector
• IDE internal power connector
• Video connector cable
• Television set

Instructions

1. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from the Xbox. Disconnect the power cord from the PC.

2. Remove the hard drive from the Xbox compartment by releasing the tab on the compartment, opening the compartment, then pulling the hard drive out with a single and quick motion.

3. Bring the Xbox over to the computer and put it down on the floor next to it. Bring a television set next to the computer. Plug the video connector cable into the video output of the Xbox. Plug the other end of the video connector cable into the first video input of the television set.

4. Turn on the TV and change the channel to the first video input.

5. Open the computer case. Pull out the IDE internal power connector from an empty drive bay inside of the computer and attach it to the power slot on the back of the Xbox hard drive. Reach into the Xbox hard drive compartment and pull out the IDE internal data connector. Attach the IDE internal data connector to the data slot on the back of the Xbox hard drive.

6. Plug in the power cord to supply AC power to the Xbox. Plug in the power cord to supply AC power to the PC.

   Hold down the 'Pause" key on the computer's keyboard and turn on the PC. Wait for the computer's operating system to pause the booting process.

7. Turn the Xbox on. Watch the Xbox boot up on the television screen. Wait as the Xbox sends the needed code to the hard drive to unlock it. Turn off the Xbox once the main menu appears. Remove the power cord and video connector cable from the XBox.

8. Turn off the PC. Remove the power cord from the PC. Remove the Xbox's IDE internal data connector from the hard drive. Plug in the IDE internal data connector from the empty drive bay into the data slot in the back of the hard drive. Put the hard drive into the empty drive bay. Close up the computer. Plug the power cord back into the PC and turn the computer on. Use the hard drive from the Xbox in the PC.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear an anti-static strap when touching the inside of the computer. This will eliminate static electricity that could cause damage to the PC's electronic components.

• Wait at least an hour after first unplugging the Xbox and the PC from their power cords so residual electricity will have dissipated.

References

• XT Reviews

Resources

• Xbox Official Web Site