How to Adapt Internal Hard Drives to Run Externally
External hard drives provide value in their simplicity and portability. Use an external drive to back up or save information from your computer in case your primary hard drive fails. If you have an unused internal hard drive lying around, you can easily turn that hard drive into an external hard drive. All you need is a hard drive enclosure that will work with your hard drive.
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Instructions
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Open the external hard drive enclosure. Depending upon the type of enclosure, you may need to remove screws to open the external hard drive case.
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Attach your internal hard drive to the connector for the external hard drive enclosure. The connector will vary between hard drives. Newer hard drives often use a SATA connection. In some external hard drive models, you simply push the hard drive into the enclosure to plug it in.
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Check the internal hard drive to ensure it is properly seated inside the external enclosure. Some enclosures come with screws used to fasten the hard drive in place.
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Close the external enclosure and replace any screws that were removed while opening the case. Place the external enclosure on its side or attach it to its stand if one was included with the enclosure.
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Attach the power cord to the back of the hard drive enclosure and plug the power cord into an outlet.
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Connect the hard drive and enclosure to your computer. Hard drive enclosures commonly use a USB connection, but some use a Firewire or eSATA connection. If your hard drive enclosure has a power button, turn it on. The hard drive is now ready to use as an external hard drive.
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Tips & Warnings
When shopping for an external enclosure, be sure you buy one that will work with your hard drive. Hard drive enclosures are available for 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch hard drives, and a variety of hard drive connections, such as IDE or SATA.
