I've just bought a Dell Dimension 5000, which has a 160GB SATA (7200rpm) hard drive. My old computer was an e-machines Intel Celeron 733 running WINME and had a 20GB seagate U series 5 Model ST320413A.

Is it possible for me to add this to my PC and recover some of the data from it?

The old PC is no longer available but I took the hard drive out hoping to do just this.

Yes, you can add it internally as either a Primary or Secondary Slave depending on what IDE/Atapi devices you currently have connected. You can also install it in an external USB box and connect it that way, or if it's just a temporary measure or you don't care about cosmetics, you can get the USB connections HERE.

If you need help in any particular area, just post.

Thanks Alfons, so basically I can get a specific USB adaptor and power cable and connect it as an external drive?

Do I need a power adaptor as well, it looks like that on the link?

If you get an External USB "Box" and install your hard drive, you won't need anything that didn't come with the box. Most come with either a power supply such as you get with most small electronic devices or a power cord & this must be attached and the "box" must be plugged into a USB port and (obviously) turned on. A few external units utilize the 5 volts supplied by the USB connection, but these normally only work well with the boxes that use laptop drives. A hard drive for a normal computer requires both 5 and 12 volt DC supply to operate and this is provided by the "internal to the box" power conversions.

I should have mentioned this in my previous post but forgot - if you're using 110 volt AC main power, the equipment described by my link will work. If you're using 220 volt AC (UK, Europe, etc) it may not work - some of the power supplies are not meant for (not selectable) for 220.

After all that, I recommend buying an external box that will work with your local power configuration and if you travel, you should get a power supply that's input-voltage selectable. If you only want this for a quick transfer of info, just add it to the internal configuration as either a Primary or Secondary Slave.

QUOTE

Do I need a power adaptor as well, it looks like that on the link?

I had the same question. The cable looks pretty cool. It is the first time I have seen it (I am usually more up on these things). The power cable is pictured, but it does not say in the description that it is included. All it says is "Support Self-Power modes."

Ok. Answered my question. THIS kit comes with both cords, but costs $37.49. According to the mfr site, it only works with 110 volt. That price is also a bit more/equal to some enclosures.

It is easier than installing it into an enclosure (I can be lazy), but I am not sure the price difference is enough to warrant it (IMO). I guess the cable would be better if you had several drives you wanted to quickly plug in.

That kit I pointed out comes with the two cables - one with the USB to IDE interface built in and the other has the 12 & 5 volt supply built in. The IDE/Atapi device won't work without the power adapter. I buy a reasonable amount from this site because of the price - it's bought in surplus lots and as such can be sold for a lot less than the retail equivalent - also note that the warranty isn't very long on most items. I'd buy more from there except for the shipping and customs problems - it takes up to 3 weeks before the package gets cleared through customs, but U.S. buyers wouldn't have that problem.

To ensure you get what you really want, I'd recommend emailing the seller for verification - this would include confirming what input power it's capable of working with.