Mac Oldtimer has PeeCee Hardware Question

[zodraz]

Adding a USB drive to a PC Laptop

I know my way around Macs. Built one from parts, added scores of drives, memory cards, processors, Blah, Blah, Blah.

So, my brother-in-law gives me this Presario 1200 that has a 4GB drive. (Windows 98)

If it was a Mac I'd be done by know, but it isn't, so here's my "project"

I'd like to get a USB HD enclosure and a larger Laptop drive.

My first step would be getting the "new" drive in the enclosure.

Then backup/duplicate the internal drive's contents onto the larger drive.

THEN swap the drives so the "new" drive is inside the Laptop with all the files/apps/system from the old drive.

Wipe the old drive which is now in the external USB enclosure, and use it as extra storage/backup.

Since this project is new stuff to me (on a PC!), I need to know what pitfalls might befall me, and what software MIGHT be needed to do this data transfer.

Also since I'm doing this on the cheap, I will be getting used (ebay) hardware. I know about desktop drives, but are all "Lapotp" labled Hard drives compatible? Are there different sizes, Pin configurations, etc?

Thanks!

PS. I posted this at a PC Helpsite, but thought someone who knows both platforms might be able to "translate" the stuff for me.

[kelly]

Don't know much.  

Your best bet for the Data transfer is Norton Ghost.

You could get an older version that isn't compatible with XP.

See it here for $29.

http://www.cnet.com/software/0-806180-1204...04-6844867.html

[cdub1988]

quote:I'd like to get a USB HD enclosure and a larger Laptop drive.

My first step would be getting the "new" drive in the enclosure.

Depends on the manufacturer on how this disassembles.

 

quote:Then backup/duplicate the internal drive's contents onto the larger drive.

THEN swap the drives so the "new" drive is inside the Laptop with all the files/apps/system from the old drive.

Wipe the old drive which is now in the external USB enclosure, and use it as extra storage/backup.

Since this project is new stuff to me (on a PC!), I need to know what pitfalls might befall me, and what software MIGHT be needed to do this data transfer.

Also since I'm doing this on the cheap, I will be getting used (ebay) hardware. I know about desktop drives, but are all "Lapotp" labled Hard drives compatible? Are there different sizes, Pin configurations, etc?

If it's an IDE/ATA drive, you should be good to go, given it's an HD designed for laptops (they're slimline - not like the desktops).

 

quote:Thanks!

PS. I posted this at a PC Helpsite, but thought someone who knows both platforms might be able to "translate" the stuff for me.
 
                     

Zodraz,

You're going to have difficulty as fas as I know finding an external HD enclosure that will fit a laptop HD. They're a lot smaller and built for that need.      

Kelly's right about Norton Ghost. Works like a charm from what I know of it.

If it were me, I'd get a burner hooked up to that thing and then Ghost the drive, buy a replacement INTERNAL, and then apply that Ghost image to the new replacement drive.

You'd be better off putting a different internal in there (larger).

My $.02.

Hope that helps.  
 
 [ 04-18-2003, 09:52 AM: Message edited by: cdub1988 ]

[kelly]

More.  

http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/answers...2593470,00.html

[zodraz]

cdub1988,

My plan is to get a lager capacity slimline/laptop drive.

I can get a slimline USB external case from ebay for about $10.00!

Full-size enclosures run a lot more, around $50.00!

Unfortunately, slimline HDs are pretty pricey; even on ebay, I guess the compact size costs a premium!

No problem ripping the old drive out. I've disassembled the laptop down to the logicboard to repair a poorly designed power socket. The internal Hard drive is a piece of cake!