How to Use a Laptop Hard Drive Enclosure

Gone are the days when external hard drive enclosures are so expensive that it was cheaper to simply buy a larger hard drive. Today, a USB connected hard drive enclosure can be purchased for less than ten dollars. These are perfect when you purchase a new laptop and do not want the hassle of transferring the data from the old computer to the new one.

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Step 1

Remove the hard drive from the old laptop if necessary. Since laptop sized hard drive enclosures are generally very thin, it may be necessary to remove any caddy holding the hard drive.
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Step 2

Connect the adapter on the top lid of the enclosure to the hard drive. Make sure it seats well, but don’t use excessive force.
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Step 3

Slide the hard drive into the enclosure until the lid is seated in place. If provided, screw the small screws in the proper holes to hold everything in place.
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Step 4

Attach one end of the USB cord to the enclosure and the other end to your laptop.
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Step 5

Boot your computer normally. You should be able to find the extra hard drive in "My Computer."


Tips & Warnings

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Most newer computers and operating systems allow you to add or remove the USB drive without shutting the system off or rebooting.
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Adding an external drive to your laptop gives you extra security for back-ups or for sensitive data. If traveling keep the enclosure packed separate from the laptop.
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There are few size limitations on what size hard drive can be used in an enclosure.
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They also make enclosures for full size, desk top computers for around the same amount of money.
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Check eBay for the best deals on laptop hard drive enclosures.