Topic: Connecting PC hard drive to laptop?

[Claimh Solais]

Basically, I have this old Windows PC that had all my music makers, sprite making tools, and my RPG files on there, but the computer can't turn on anymore.

Is there anyway to connect a PC hard drive to a laptop so I can get my stuff off of it?

[Kale]

http://www.amazon.com/Cables-To-Go-30504-Adapter/dp/B000UO6C5S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1341475283&sr=8-3&keywords=hdd+to+usb

In all likelihood this will solve your problem.

[uzo]

You have to be very careful with that product there. It leaves the drive open and exposed. If you're looking for a more permanent use, or to use it as an external drive, then you may want to consider getting an External Enclosure. It encases the drive inside of a protective case, and allows USB connection. Down side is, I believe they're all fit for a single specific connector type. Check to see what yours is before getting one.

http://www.newegg.com/store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=92&Tpk=external%20enclosure

They are very handy. I have two Rosewill ones myself, one for SATA and one for IDE.

[Jorge D. Fuentes]

USB enclosures are awesome.
I have a NexStar CX and a Rosewill something-or-other lying around, and use 'em to get into my older drives or to back up this PC.

[Omegasigma]

I use a USB/firewire enclosures. as jprge mentioned, I have a 500 and 250 gig hdds attached to my wii just full of series and movies to playback >.>, and older the drive harder to get closures for since everything is sata or e-sata now

[Kale]

Personally I use HDD Docks myself. It leaves it open and exposes, but allows you to quickly change through the drives if I so wish it. Just disconnect, turn off, change drives, turn back on.

Open and exposed though, I don't see much problems with it, as long as you don't plan to use it as a cup holder or something that might get it in a bad situation.

[Jorge D. Fuentes]

I have one of those.  Reminds me of an old SNES.
It's called the "BlacX".  You stick the drive in a big ol' cartridge slot like a SNES cart, and turn it on.
It connects via USB.