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    Dell laptop harddrive...can I use it externally to another laptop?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by aras, Mar 1, 2008.

  1. aras

    aras Newbie

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    Just to say thanks for the answer to my previous question but here's a new one:
    :confused:
    My Dell laptop just died. I am computer illiterate so all I know is how to get the harddrive out of my dead laptop. The reason I need it is that I did not backup my info so I need to transfer it to the new laptop. I am not sure if I am supposed to take out the harddrive on the new laptop and replace it with this old one so that I can back up the data and then switch the harddrives. Or hopefully if there is a way that I can back up my older harddrive externally without having to put it inside my laptop?
     
    aras, Mar 1, 2008
    #1
  2. ScifiMike12

    ScifiMike12 Drinking the good stuff

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    Look for a 2.5" external hard drive enclosure on Newegg. Make sure you note what connection the hard drive uses as there are several to choose from.
     
    ScifiMike12, Mar 1, 2008
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  3. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    You do not need to buy an enclosure, you can simply buy a laptop adaptor to USB,
    If you have a sata notebook harddrive, you want one of these:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812156014

    If you have a ide notebook harddrive, you want one of these:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812232002

    All you need to do is plug the harddrive from the notebook into the appropriate adaptor, plug in the usb to the new laptop, and then power the harddrive with the power cable. Then copy the files onto your other laptop.
    Then bur a copy of your files to DVD, so you have a backup copy.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Mar 1, 2008
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  4. booji

    booji Notebook Deity

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    K-Tron and Scifimike offer great suggestions. Personally, I usually find enclosures to be cheaper than laptop adapters to USB. You can get 2.5" enclosures for as low as 9 bucks (and may times even free after rebate). Which ever path you decide to take, make sure to choose the correct type of adapter (i.e. SATA or IDE) based on which notebook drive you have.

    Good Luck!
     
    booji, Mar 1, 2008
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  5. aras

    aras Newbie

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    thank you very much guys for quick and helpful answers...I added to your reputations...hopefully I did it right :)

    just one more thing: when you say "make sure to choose the correct type of adapter (i.e. SATA or IDE) based on which notebook drive you have" is that the dead computer or new one I am planning to buy?

    My dead laptop is: Inspiron 5160
    40GB EIDE, 7200 RPM, ATA/100 Hard Drive, GX260
    So I guess EIDE is the same as IDE?
     
    aras, Mar 1, 2008
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  6. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    You need the adaptor for the old harddrive. This is so you can hook it up to your new computer via USB, to get the data off of it.
    Yes EIDE is the same ad IDE, which is the same as ATA/100

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Mar 1, 2008
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