So I bought one of those USB to IDE/SATA hard drive converter cables...

[progressoid]

Like this one, only a generic version:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200155

I have this oldish 500GB drive and I want to know what is on it. I think I have already transfered everything off of it but just want to make sure. I was thinking about using it for backup.


Here's the problem.
It powers up fine and the computer does the usual automatic "installing new hardware". After a few seconds it's supposedly installed and ready to use, however I can't seem to access it. I tried this on both a Vista and XP machine and have the same problem on both.

I was able to find it under Disk Management (in Vista) but it's still inaccessible.

Properties says it's "online" and "device is working properly" and "driver is up to date" but that it's unallocated (465 GB). What's unallocated mean to me?

[canetoad]

1. Take this as it comes

ie. stream of consciousness thoughts about what may be wrong.

Unallocated means that the drive is not formatted. I assume neither Vista nor XP gives it a drive letter
You know it is, as you previously used the drive.
Maybe the drive partition table is missing or unreadable.

If so, try this program http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk_Download

[progressoid]

3. Thanks, that sounds like a good option.

Yes, the drive previously worked in another XP computer (not the one I tried it on today).

I'll give that testdisk program a shot and see what happens later tonight.

[progressoid]

5. Done

All is well. It appears I already deleted everything on it. I'm going to format and install it internally.

Thanks for the help.

[Duer 157099]

2. Is it possible that you removed all the data?

If it were me, I'd try to put it inside the computer (via the IDE/SATA cable) and just make sure.

Some of those USB enclosures have limits on how big of a drive they can manage, maybe that's an issue? :shrug:

If you're *sure* that you have saved/removed all your important data from the past, then you could, while it's hooked up via the USB, use the Disk Mgmt feature and format it.

[progressoid]

4. Yep, it looks like I did remove all the data.

So I think I'll format it and install it internally.

Now I have to deal with another 80 gig drive that seems to have a stuck spindle. At least thats what it sounds like according to this site: http://datacent.com/hard_drive_sounds.php

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

6. Right click on it in Disk Managment and assign it a different drive letter.

Any available letter will do. Once done it'll come on line immediately.