[bakeddonut]

I have a hdd from an old computer that I need to find an external enclosure for, but the thing is, I have no idea what I'm looking for and everytime I look at the list of products anywhere online I end up with nothing but frustration and a headache. I know I need an IDE interface enclosure for certain, so far the rest of what I "know" I'm only 50% certain of. I think I need a 3.5" but I could be wrong. If anyone here could help me out, please, I need some good suggestions of what specific products to look at for my hard drive, because I'm still a beginner in this area. And price is an issue too, I'd like to spend less than $40 if possible but for quality I may be willing to stretch that a little. I'll be ever so thankful for any suggestions. Any and all of the info anybody could possibly need about my hdd can be found just below:

The hard drive in question is a Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 80GB, model number ST380011A. I've even got a link to the manual: http://www.seagate.com/support/disc/manuals/ata/cuda7200pm.pdf

[thingie2]

That drive is probably a 3 1/2" drive, did it come from a desktop, or a laptop? As for what else to look for, you will want a drive enclosure that has a USB connection, as you will almost defiantly have atleast 1 USB port on your computer, Firewire connections are faster, but you aren't necessarily going to have a connection for it. I haven't personally had any experience with using and enclosures, so I can't comment on which are good makes, just take a look through the reviews buyers have given the product before you buy.

[philthomas]

Yep it's definitely a 3.5" IDE Drive.

Something like this will be fine. Most are imported, so no real name brand comes to mind.

[bakeddonut]

That one is good all except one thing; I have windows vista :P (curse vista I hate it). But I know I have a firewire and multiple usb ports. I know more than the average person knows about computer hardware, but when it comes to specifics concerning some parts like hard drives I'm clueless. Thank you though your answer was helpful now I just need to find one that is compatible with vista. Specific product suggestions are still welcome though :)

[Carbon]

They're all compatible with Vista. Universal serial bus - plug it in and turn it on and it'll show up just like a regular hard drive.

"Why do you need an external" would be my question. Why not just hook it up internally?

[bakeddonut]

I've got a rather expensive brand new computer, and I'm hesitant to open it up to install the old hard drive for the risk of shocking something accidently with a static build-up. The computer the hard drive came from worked fine up until one day I unplugged it, and I assure you I did so when it was completely off in the right way, and then when I went to plug it in it didn't work. I never even opened up it's chassis so I have no way to explain why but it's motherboard was fried, I even tried to replace it only to find the replacement also didn't work. At any rate, I need an external hard drive anyways, and buying an enclosure is cheaper than buying one already equipped with a drive.