How to Convert an Internal Hard Drive to External Via HD Enclosure

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The internal hard drive of a computer contains most of the information a user wants to transfer from one computer to another when they've purchased a new unit. Using only a screwdriver, some background knowledge, and a carefully chosen enclosure or docking station, converting an internal hard drive to an external unit is easier than you might think.

Quick Steps

  1. Determine your hard drive's style and dimensions.
  2. Purchase an external drive enclosure that fits your drive.
  3. Remove the hard drive from your computer.
  4. Open the enclosure and put the drive on the circuit board.
  5. Connect the cables to the hard drive.
  6. Insert the drive into the enclosure and close it.
  7. Plug your new external drive into your computer.

For popular FAQs on converting an internal hard drive to external, jump to more common questions .

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Selecting an Enclosure Kit

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    The two main designs of hard drives are SATA (usually from new laptops/desktops and have a card edge connector) and PATA(from older laptops/desktops and have two rows of pins on the end. PATA hard drives may be labeled ATA). These designs are not interchangeable.
    • SATA hard drives are identifiable by the two flat connectors while PATA hard drives use two rows of pins as connectors.
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    Laptop computers usually have hard drives that are 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) in diameter while desktops usually have hard drives that are 3.5 inches (8.89 cm). This can easily be checked with a ruler or tape measure.
    • The height of a 2.5-inch drives varies. Most are 9.5 mm, but some are 12.5 mm, so take note when choosing an enclosure.
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    The two most commonly available types of enclosures are made out of aluminum or plastic. There are many properties to consider here including the style of hard drive (SATA or PATA), the enclosure's ability to cool the drive, a material used in constructing the enclosure, connection type, and cost.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Assembling the Enclosure Kit

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    Turn off the computer then open the case and remove the hard drive .
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    The enclosure is most likely secured with Philips head screws at each corner. Removing them is easily done with a Philips head screwdriver.
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    The hard drive should slide onto the circuit board.
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    Male connectors protrude outwards and should align with female connectors that they slide into.
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    They should slide together with minimal effort. Be careful not to force the connection as the connectors can be fragile.
    • If you are experiencing issues pushing the connectors together, check to make sure the connectors are aligned correctly.
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    Once the hard drive and circuit board are connected, place the unit back into the enclosure.
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    Replace and re-tighten the screws that hold the enclosure together.
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    To use the external drive, simply plug it into the appropriately labeled/sized port on the computer.
    • Depending on the size of the hard drive you may have dual cables, one to connect to the computer and another to connect to a power supply.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Using an Docking Station

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    Selecting a docking station is much like selecting an enclosure above. However, there are a few differences. Most notably docking stations fit both 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch hard drives and are only available for SATA designs.
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    How to remove a hard drive .
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    • Line up the male-female power and data connectors and push them together firmly.
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    Most docking stations include a USB cable that allows you to connect the docking station and the computer.
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    Docking stations are externally powered and require to be plugged in with an AC adapter.
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Common Questions: Converting an Internal HDD to an External One

Can I connect an internal hard disk externally?

Yes, you can connect an internal hard disk externally, but you need either an external hard drive enclosure or a SATA/PATA to USB adapter. An external enclosure helps keep the hard drive safe from debris and damage, but an adapter is essentially just plug-and-play. Cost-wise, both of these options are similar in price.

Can I use a laptop internal hard drive as an external drive?

Yes. The HDD or SSD inside of a laptop is essentially the same as a drive inside of a standard PC tower, so you can use an external disk enclosure or a SATA/PATA to USB adapter to convert your old laptop hard disk into an external drive.

Do I have to format my internal hard drive to use it externally?

No, if you're keeping the converted drive for yourself you don't have to format it. Your computer won't use the converted drive as a boot drive unless you tell it to. However, if you're not keeping the drive, it's best to format it to ensure your personal information isn't retained for safety purposes.

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Warning

  • Hard drives are easily damaged by static. It is recommended that they are handled outside of any enclosure on an anti-static environment.
  • Internal hard drives mounted in a docking station are easily susceptible to dust and overheating and are not recommended for extended use.

Tips

  • Make sure all information from the hard drive you wish to convert has been backed up.
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  • If your hard drive shows several errors or seems to deteriorate in some way, then it may not be suitable to use – you will have to buy a new one.
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  • Most enclosures come with power and data connector cables to simplify the connection to the hard drive.
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Things You'll Need

  • Internal hard drive
  • Hard drive enclosure or docking station
  • Philips-head screwdriver
  • Anti-static matt (recommended)

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.pcworld.com/article/2693213/its-cheap-and-easy-to-make-your-own-portable-hard-drive-from-an-old-pc-drive.html
  2. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-build-your-own-external-hard-drive/
  3. ↑ https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/computers/tips-and-solutions/convert-an-old-hard-drive-into-an-external-unit

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