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I Run WinXP Pro.....I Have an Old HP 8200 series External USB 1.1 CDR/RW, Not being used now, just put away as spare....
Can I Open up the Caseing, Take out the CDR/RW & Put in its place an Internal Hard Disk like a Maxtor 80Gbt or 120Gbt...Will it Work as an External Hard Disk usb....OR..Will I have to buy the correct Empty Case to do this.....Seems A Pity to Waste a Good External Case....Thanks in Advance.....Dennis...
From a point of view of physically connecting it up there won't be any problem at all. My only concern would be the driver, or possibly even some firmware in the case which would be expecting an ATAPI drive and not an ATA drive. Is there any chance you could beg, steal or borrow a drive just to try it? You certainly won't hurt a drive to try it as all the volatges are standard.
Drivers could well be a problem. But if you can ID who actually made it, check their website.
try downloading and installing Aida32. It'll tell you what version your hardware is and sometimes provide a direct link to the manufacturer's site.
Aida32
Thank You for Replying....It's appreciated...
I always thought the Firmware was within the CDR/RWs Drive. The Hard Part as I call it, Not the Caseing...Just Like within the Hard Disc...I thought that once you take out the writer (the Inards) the Firmware gos with it.....
So you are Telling me that the Firmware is In the Caseing, What i call the Shell when Empty.....Sorry If I seem Dull..(I Am)...lol
Thanks, Dennis...
I would of thought Hewlet Packard made the Writer....It's NOT a Sony make because I could not Update Firmware to next model up....If ya get what i mean....
Yes there is firmware in the cdrw drive, but there may also be in the "casing" as well. There must be soime circuitry to convert the IDE interface to USB, and that is where I was thinking that there might be some firmware.
That little curcuit board has part of it yes, but most of it is on the device board.
Again that varies by the manufactor.
So Then....Is It Worth Doing (if so I'd better give it to someone who knows how) Or would it be Better & Easier & Cheeper to go n buy a Caseing!!.....Wish I was Good at Electronics.....
God:-Dennis, would you like some Electronic knowledge in your head.......
Dennis:-Dear God Yes.........How was I supposed to know he would give me a Clockwork Brain That's Stoped!!!
Please Give Me a Brain.......He Gave me a DRAIN!!
Take Care n Thanks...
For ease, I'd go out and buy one myself.
Sorry for Delay in Answering.......
Thanks Train n Everyone, your Advise is Valuable....
I Will go n Buy One as you said, it is easier n trouble free in it...
Take Care......Dennis...
Good choice ;)