My computer is caput - need to copy data (laptop, desktop, hd)

[foma]

I'm on my laptop right now but my PC is caput. It will not turn out. It's been bugging out on me lately so I managed to copy most of my data but I didn't get a chance to copy all my emails from Outlook. I wanna just take the hard drive out and read it but what the heck do hook it up to if I have a laptop? I am very very frustrated right now.

[ColoWeb]

Hi foma,
There are "External Enclosures" for 2.5" and 3.5" hard drives. My guess your is 2.5" if it is a laptop. So look for an empty External Enclosures and then you can take out the hard drive from your laptop and connect it to the External Enclosure.

Good luck.

[foma]

Thanks coloweb - actually, my laptop is fine. It's my desktop that's bugged out. I've got the computer wide open (I see the motherboard!) and I'm looking at my HD. How do I know if I have 2.5" or 3.5"? Do I have to take it out to find out?

[ColoWeb]

Desktops have 3.5" That is the side of the width of the HD. See pic at http://www.cyberresearch.com/images/...067572.600.jpg to make sure.

There are 2 or 4 screws holding it, you will need to unscrew them. Do this after you turn off the PC and unplug the plastic wire (IDE or SATA Cable) and the power cable to the HD.

One thing to note is the type of the connector that connects to the hard drive, as this would depends on the type of the external enclosure that you need: SATA or IDE.

IDE have a long big plastic as the connector . SATA's connectors are small. The first pic is IDE, here is a pic for SATA: http://eshop.macsales.com/images/Ite.../satadrive.jpg

Here is a case for IDE: Newegg.com - Rosewill RX35MV-U-BU Series RX35MV-U-BU BLK Aluminum & plastic 3.5" USB 2.0 External Enclosure - Retail . This IDE has no fan, so if you use it, do not use it too long (due to the hear).

I have the same setup, for backups, so I use a case that has a FAN.

[foma]

You rock ... Okay, my HD uses IDE cable. So I'm going to go to Best Buy and ask for an external enclosure for an IDE hard drive?

[foma]

Can you check this link out? I'm guessing this is what I should be looking for?

Vantec IDE Drive to USB 2.0 Adapter Cable for 2.5" / 3.5" / 5.25" Hard Drive/ Optical Drive with External IDE/ATAPI Power Adapter: CB-IUSB20 (Retail)

[ColoWeb]

Yes, the external enclosure is USB and IDE. USB to connect it to the laptop and IDE to connect the hard drive to the enclosure.

When you do the procedure, ground yourself first (touch a piece of metal). Never touch the circuits or the underside of the hardrive, it is very delicate and you can short it.

Once the HD is installed in the enclosure, only then plug it in to the wall (electric) and to the computer (USB).

[ColoWeb]

Originally Posted by foma

Can you check this link out? I'm guessing this is what I should be looking for?

Vantec IDE Drive to USB 2.0 Adapter Cable for 2.5" / 3.5" / 5.25" Hard Drive/ Optical Drive with External IDE/ATAPI Power Adapter: CB-IUSB20 (Retail)

That one does not have the power connector (i.e enclosures have both, IDE and power).

IDE is for transferring data. You still need to power on the drive.
If your Desktop turns on (has power) then I guess you can connect the power from your desktop, but use the IDE from the product in the link.

[foma]

Thanks coloweb. If I knew you, I'd take you out to lunch so I guess a rep will have to do. I really appreciate your help. I'll be going to Best Buy soon and keep my fingers crossed this all works out ... and I don't get electrocuted. Heeheee Thanks again!

[foma]

While we're at it, could the external enclosure also hook up my internal zip drive (yes, I have a zip drive from a long long time ago!) to my laptop?