Possible to get files from external hdd?

Kris_90 · 21 Jan 2012 at 17:15

Hi

I recently found an old external hdd. I stopped using it because the usb port (the bit the cable plugs into) broke so when I tried connected it to a pc, it wouldn't recognise it.

It's one of these:

Does anyone know if there's a way I can break the case and use some sort of hdd caddy to access the files on there?

Thanks

The_Baron · 21 Jan 2012 at 17:16

It's likely just a regular 3.5" inside so yes just crack it open an rig it up to your pc

panyan · 21 Jan 2012 at 17:39

The_Baron said:
It's likely just a regular 3.5" inside so yes just crack it open an rig it up to your pc

yep, exactly what he said - crack it open - connect it in the computer - new drive!

Kris_90 · 21 Jan 2012 at 17:58

I just tried it, the hard drive connectors are different to the other hard drives I have. The power is on the right and is a different fitting to the others (my psu does have the fittings though). I don't know how to connect it to my pc, it looks like there is a 32 pin fitting and a smaller 7 pin fitting. The 32 pin looks like a slot I have on my mobo under the sata cables but I don't have a cable to connect it. The other 7 pin looks like the usb slots on the mobo but again I don't have a cable to connect it.

Would it be likely to be the usb one? It seems the most likely but I just wanted to check before buying a cable.

Cheers

Surveyor · 21 Jan 2012 at 18:01

Kurby said:
I just tried it, the hard drive connectors are different to the other hard drives I have. The power is on the right and is a different fitting to the others (my psu does have the fittings though). I don't know how to connect it to my pc, it looks like there is a 32 pin fitting and a smaller 7 pin fitting. The 32 pin looks like a slot I have on my mobo under the sata cables but I don't have a cable to connect it. The other 7 pin looks like the usb slots on the mobo but again I don't have a cable to connect it.

Would it be likely to be the usb one? It seems the most likely but I just wanted to check before buying a cable.

Cheers

It'd be easier if you posted a picture.

Saundie · 21 Jan 2012 at 18:23

Sounds like an IDE drive (except that the number of pins is wrong), but as Surveyor rightly says, it'd be easier to identify if you posted a photo.

Surveyor · 21 Jan 2012 at 18:37

Are you looking at something like this?:

An IDE connector on a 3.5" drive should have 2 rows of 20 pins with 1 missing.

Kris_90 · 21 Jan 2012 at 20:18

Sorry, I didn't have the drive infront of me, yeah it looks exactly like that.

panyan · 21 Jan 2012 at 20:21

do you have a similar IDE plug on the motherboard?

if so, just use the cable that came with the motherboard (or order one) and collect them

you can use molex power from your psu

EDIT: a quick google tells me that you do have an ide port, it is above the 90 degree sata ports

Surveyor · 21 Jan 2012 at 20:27

The IDE connector operates from a separate controller to the SATA ports so it may have been disabled in the BIOS if you haven't been using it.

You'll need to enable the JMicron controller if it isn't already.

You'll also need to install the necessary drivers if they aren't already installed.