How to use a Hard drive externally (using enclosure)???

[TWM]

I have run out of space on my laptop... yes i filled up 80GB in 5 months.

I would like to purchase a harddrive and a USB enclosure kit.

Hard Drive:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1697350&CatId=525

Enclosure:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=282220&CatId=0

Can i simply connect the HD into the enclosure and just plug in the USB and access it like i would a flash drive? I dont really understand the whole OEM and having to have an OS on the hard drive.

Please help

 

[Host47]

the hdd caddies have their own power source and they usually come with a driver disc but 9 times out of ten are worthless as if your using xp it just finds it as a mass storage device just like a flash drive, i have a 250gb external as my 750gb internals are full...lol but well worth the buy m8. IMO stay away from Hitachi drives, I had 4 in a row from new that died in 4hour period..but thats just MO

 

[luxinterior]

Something else to note is that you don't actually need a casing which is a misconception I had when I was looking into external harddrives. I've got two externals, one with a case and one without. You can get an adapter that will plug into the back of the harddrive and then your usb port. The kit also comes with a power supply.

Good luck.

Lux

 

[ZuraX]

I have a few HD's sitting around and thought about doing this with them. But I can never make up my mind as to if I should use like you said here (USB) or via my home network....

Anyone have any experience with the two different ways?

 

[robertjr]

Did it come with a CD? I did this a few months back with an acomdata enclosure(USB) and a 200G SeaGate, it required the CD to set it up. I did have a few issues installing and had to do it twice. The second time it went smooth and has worked well sence. I can use it with all 3 PC's and both laptops.