How to Convert a Hard Drive Into a Portable Storage Device
- 1). Buy an external USB hard drive case for the hard drive. These cases can be purchased at most electronics stores. Make sure that you get a case that is compatible with your hard drive. It may help to bring the hard drive with you when you visit the store and ask a sales associate for help if you need it. There are two main types of hard drives: IDE (or PATA) drives and SATA drives. The connector on an IDE drive will be almost as long as the side of the drive on which it is located, while the connector on a SATA drive will be located on one end of a side of the drive and is less than half the length of the side.
- 2). Install the hard drive into the case by following the case manufacturer’s instructions. This will usually involve connecting the hard drive connector to the case and then screwing the top and bottom of the case over the drive to protect and secure it.
- 3). Insert a USB cord into the USB port on the case, and plug the other end of the USB cord into a USB port on the computer.
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