re-use WD external USB drive?

I have a WD 80GB external USB hard drive. I believe it contains a 3.5"
IDE hard drive. I was wondering if I could take it apart and easily
replace the internal hard drive with another internal hard drive. I
think the basic issue is whether the housing has the standard IDE data
connector and power cable, or do they direct solder those on, so that
it is not really replaceable?

Previously Bucky wrote:
I have a WD 80GB external USB hard drive. I believe it contains a 3.5"
IDE hard drive. I was wondering if I could take it apart and easily
replace the internal hard drive with another internal hard drive. I
think the basic issue is whether the housing has the standard IDE data
connector and power cable, or do they direct solder those on, so that
it is not really replaceable?

No. The issue is whether the firmware in the interface allows you to
use a different drive.

Arno

"Bucky" wrote in message oups.com
I have a WD 80GB external USB hard drive. I believe it contains a 3.5"
IDE hard drive. I was wondering if I could take it apart and easily
replace the internal hard drive with another internal hard drive.

I think the basic issue is whether the housing has the standard IDE data
connector and power cable, or do they direct solder those on, so that
it is not really replaceable?

Where would the savings be.
Personally I would be rather more concerned with a Vendor lock.
(that's not to say that it has one)

No. The issue is whether the firmware in the interface allows you to
use a different drive.

darn. thanks for the reply.

On Mar 19, 2:41 pm, "Folkert Rienstra" wrote:
Where would the savings be.

avoid buying another enclosure.

On 2007-03-20 08:21, Bucky wrote:
On Mar 19, 2:41 pm, "Folkert Rienstra" wrote:
Where would the savings be.

avoid buying another enclosure.


Either you already have - or plan to buy - another drive, to put in the
new enclosure; so why not try the new drive in the old enclosure anyway?

If it works, then you are fine. If not, go buy a new encosure.

/Rolf

Previously Rolf Blom wrote:
On 2007-03-20 08:21, Bucky wrote:
On Mar 19, 2:41 pm, "Folkert Rienstra" wrote:
Where would the savings be.

avoid buying another enclosure.


Either you already have - or plan to buy - another drive, to put in the
new enclosure; so why not try the new drive in the old enclosure anyway?

If it works, then you are fine. If not, go buy a new encosure.

Wpuld be my advice also. Make sure the drive not only
works, but stays reasonably cool (still comfotable to
touch after a few hours of operation).

Arno

"Bucky" wrote in message ups.com
On Mar 19, 2:41 pm, "Folkert Rienstra" wrote:
Where would the savings be.

avoid buying another enclosure.

Better write to the manufacturers then that they are doing it
all wrong: that they should solder their drives in permanently.

(Next time, leave enough context so it's clear to anyone that
you completely misunderstood the (rethorical) question).

(Like the original message was more than a screen full and needed snipping).

"Arno Wagner" wrote in message
Previously Rolf Blom wrote:
On 2007-03-20 08:21, Bucky wrote:
On Mar 19, 2:41 pm, "Folkert Rienstra" wrote:
Where would the savings be.

avoid buying another enclosure.


Either you already have - or plan to buy - another drive,

to put in the new enclosure;

What new enclosure?
That's what you get with answering to a snippet of quoting, completely out of context.

so why not try the new drive in the old enclosure anyway?

What new drive?
Buying a new drive depends on what answer he gets concerning the possibility
of re-using the existing enclosure. If not, there may not be one. Chicken-egg.


If it works, then you are fine.

If not, go buy a new encosure.

Did you even consider that he might not want to do that?
That he might want a ready made solution if the cheaper option doesn't work?

Wpuld be my advice also.

Another brainfarct, babblebot?

Make sure the drive not only works,

Whoa, that one is steep.
I have to think that over a few hours, to have that sink in.

but stays reasonably cool (still comfotable
to touch after a few hours of operation).

Arno