Hard drive dock

[dbuelke]

I scavenged a WD 800 (800 GB) hard drive from a discarded DirecTV unit and would like to use it for a backup device. I've heard there is some type of apparatus into which I can simply drop this IDE drive and use USB connections to any computer. Can anyone give me more information or point me in the right direction?

Thanks

[Gizmokid2005]

They are called External Enclosures. You can get them at newegg.

Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...nd&Order=PRICE

Anything in that link (assuming your info is correct) will work for what you want.

[dbuelke]

The external enclosures look like they would do what I want, but how are they powered? Does the power come through the USB connection or do I need a 9 or 12 volt plug-in for them? The descriptions and pictures did not seem to address this.

Thanks again.

[Gizmokid2005]

Every 3.5" external drive enclosure (if you look at the specifications) comes with an external adapter that you plug into a standard household plug.

[BigTrouble]

Why not just get a internal removable chassis for your PC. They are around 10-40 bucks depending on what you need. Very nice and you can remove it from the computer with a key.

[cauzomb]

whatever you do, be sure that you format a couple different partitions, with both NTFS and FAT, either 16 or 32, that way you can use it with pretty much any system... Nice score by the way! what model cable box dvr/tivo did you find em in?