Accessing a 2.5" HDD

[nak]

I recently took a out 2.5" IDE HDD from my laptop and needed to access the files.
I bought one of those 2.5" --> 3.5" converters at msy but my computer doesn't seem to detect it.
Ive tried varies combination of Master and Slave options with the jumped on my xompuer HDD and the 2.5" yet it still does not work.

Is there anything I can do to make this work? 

[gta007]

You need a 2.5" external enclosure. It will then make your drive work just like one of those USB External ones.

Could be had for less than $10.

[nak]

So an enclosure is like one of those portable media drives but without the media functions? (only as mass storage device)

[gta007]

Yep, no media functions. Just treats the drive as a mass storage device.

Looks like this: http://www.getprice.com.au/2-5-USB-V2-HDD-ENCLOSURE-Gpnc_74--35137147.htm

A look at the inside: http://maxorigin.com/A-Ric/regan/25_IDE_SS_1.JPG , http://www.dragonsteelmods.com/Images/reviews/vizo-shuttle-sata/resize/vizo-shuttle11.JPG

You usually get a USB cable as well.

[excal]

You won't not even need an enclosure. It's just a SATA-to-USB or (IDE-to-USB) adapter wrapped in a case.

http://www.mittoni.com.au/usb-20-to-sata-25-35-ide-adapter-p-2297.html

[nak]

but those cables are like $32 while an encloseure >$25 (at msy)

and if i happen to put it in an enclosure, will i need to switch it to master or slave or it doesn't matter as its connected via usb?

[excal]

Master/slave only applies when you're using IDE.

You would use Master.

[Edmund]

Yeah I got one of those enclosures... The guy gave me one for IDE which wasnt what I wanted, and had to pay a $10 restocking fee to return it

I think it is about $20

[nak]

i guess ill take my hdd with me when i buy it then.. just to make sure