How to Convert a Hard Drive to an External Hard Drive

If you have an added internal hard drive then added storage space created in PC by turning it into an external hard drive. External hard drives attach to PC by USB or Firewire port. If single USB port on PC, it is actually a matter of personal preference as to which connection you select.

Instructions

1. Step 1

Buy an external hard drive enclosure from computer supply and office supply stores. Ensure to buy one that will suit to hard drive. Desktop hard drives need a 3.5 inch enclosure, while laptop hard drives need a 2.5 inch enclosure. As well test that enclosure has proper interface for hard drive, either IDE or SATA. IDE drive interfaces are about two inches wide and have two rows of pins. SATA drive interfaces are minor than IDE interfaces and have only one row of pins.

2. Step 2

To open enclosure you need to take out two screws.

3. Step 3

Put hard drive in enclosure. You want to protect the hard drive with tiny screws.

4. Step 4

Place the jumpers as said by documentation given with enclosure. Generally set the jumpers to "Master." Omit this step if you are SATA drive user.

5. Step 5

Attach the interface to hard drive.

6. Step 6

Attach power cables to hard drive.

7. Step 7

Close the enclosure. Put back the screws that take out in Step 1.

8. Step 8

Connect external power supply, if enclosure having one already.

9. Step 9

Attach enclosure to USB or Firewire port with cables that were given with enclosure.

10. Step 10

Wait for PC to automatically identify the drive.