How to Build an External HDD

External hard disk drives are useful because they can be used on any computer. They are portable and lightweight. If you want to make your own external hard drive, you can do so with an internal hard disk drive and an external hard disk enclosure. This enclosure converts an internal drive to work as an external one.

Things You'll Need

• Internal HDD
• Phillips screwdriver
• External HDD enclosure
• Computer

Instructions

1. Pull the external HDD enclosure open with your hands. Fit the internal HDD inside of it.

2. Connect the external HDD enclosure's two cables into the rear of the internal HDD. This will allow the enclosure to read the internal HDD.

3. Close the enclosure. Tighten it by screwing all four corners tight with the screws that came with it.

4. Plug the enclosure's power cable into an electrical outlet. Plug the enclosure's USB cable into a computer's USB slot. The hard drive will now be recognized by the computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Defragment the hard drive every month to keep it running in tip-top shape.

• Dust buildup will cause a hard drive to break down, so keep it clean.

References

• Tech Republic: How do I... Build and Configure an External Hard Drive Enclosure?
• XPC Gear: How to Install an External Hard Drive Enclosure

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Data Clinic: Hard Drive Failures