Install a Hard Drive in an External Enclosure

Have an old hard drive laying around? Did you know that you can still use it, even though all of you're case's drive bays are full? Turn it into an external hard drive! These are great for backing up your files, having a second operating system to boot to, or just for more storage!

You will need:

-An external hard drive enclosure. I am using a Rocketfish IDE enclosure. Make sure your enclosure is built for the hard drive you will be installing, IDE or SATA. In this example, I'm using IDE. Installation would be the same for a SATA drive.

-The hard drive you are installing. I am using an IDE Western Digital 320GB Caviar Blue.

-A screw driver.

Step 1: Removing the Drive Tray

We first need to remove the tray that the hard drive will sit in when inside the enclosure. To do this, find the screws that lock the tray to the enclosure itself. The two screws for mine were found on the back. Make sure you leave these screws in a safe place. Caution: If you are using a magnet to contain your screws, make sure it does not get too close to the hard drive!

Step 2: Remove the Tray From the Enclosure

Once all screws are out, carefully slide the tray out of the enclosure. If the tray tugs a bit, you know you have not removed all of the screws.

Step 3: Install the Hard Drive in the Tray

Now, simply connect the hard drive to the matching plugs in the tray. Make sure the hard drive's jumper settings are correct for what you will be using the drive for.

Step 4: Lay the Hard Drive in the Tray

Simply tuck the hard drive in the tray. Make sure every thing is flush (level) with each other.

Step 5: Insert the Hard Drive Tray Back Into the Enclosure

Now it's time to finally slide the drive bay back into the enclosure. Again, if anything tugs or pushes against one another, do not force the tray into the enclosure. Re-screw in the screws. Connect this to your computer and to power, and you have yourself an external hard drive!