Access any old Hard Drive via USB

This is a great idea, the USB Universal Drive Adapter, the easy way to get data off all those old drives you’ve got kicking around.

I’ve lost count of the number of old hard drives I’ve got hidden away in cupboards and drawers. Before I throw away an old PC I’ll take all the useful bits out and store them as they may come in useful in the future (deluded I know). The discs then gather dust as I never have the drive (excuse the pun) to dismantle a current working machine to connect it to.

The USB Universal Drive Adapter however makes it a piece of cake to re-use your old discs (or just extract data from). Simply connect the USB end to your PC and the other end to the old disc (via standard IDE/ATA/ATAPI 40 pin or Serial-ATA) and you can then access the disc like any other. Simple but effective.

You can get the USB Universal Drive Adapter from newer technology for $24.95 and IMO is one gadget that should be in every support technicians gadget bag.

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6 Comments on “Access any old Hard Drive via USB”

Sam Leung Says:

What about power for drives that need power? How does it provide that?

Al Says:

Good question Sam. I never noticed that in the press release but I’m guessing it will either be powered off USB though I’m now wondering if USB would provide enough power for that (and where’s the power connector), I’ll ask and post a follow up comment.

livakero Says:

my first thouhgt was the device use a inner converter to obtain 12V and 5V. usb delivers 5Vx0.5A=2.5W, ten times smaller hdd requires. so i take a look at http://www.newertech.com/products/usb2_adapt.php. there is a power adapter and cord in the box.

XL Says:

DO NOT BUT THIS! IT WILL RUIN YOUR DRIVE!

http://www.macobserver.com/review/2007/02/20.1.shtml for details.

Aaron Says:

My experience with really old IDE drive (maybe 1992) the drive would not work with USB enclosure. The disk would show up in windows explorer but when trying to open the disk i’d get “please insert disk”..

I was only able to extract the data by connecting it to the IDE connection on the motherboard. I’m guessing the fact that USB wasn’t invented until around 1995 has something to do with it. Just adding my 2 cents. Good luck!

Florence Bennett Says:

I connected to Newer Technologies website, but I cannot find this item and it looks like it is exactly what I need. Do you have any more information on this item?

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