Converting External CDRW Drive into External HD - Is this possible?

alluu

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Jan 11, 2001
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I am looking to purchase the Pacific Digital 32X External CDRW and converting it into an external harddrive. Is this possible. I would think so cause all it is an enclosure + CDRW. I would put the CDRW into another computer since having a portable harddrive is more useful for me. Has anyone done this. I guess I would need a faceplate, correct.
 

Lord Evermore

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 1999
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Why not just buy an external enclosure by itself? For only 45 bucks or so you can get a good one. And if you really need a CDRW for the other machine, I'm sure you can find deals on those so that the total price isn't more than you'd pay for the PD drive, and a faster one.

As far as converting that one, there's probably no reason it wouldn't work, but the firmware in the enclosure MAY be specially programmed in such a way that the OS won't recognize a hard drive through it. But most likely you'll just see the same old thing as with a generic enclosure, or possibly the enclosure will be listed as a Pacific Digital device.

Oh, and of course, you'll have to make a faceplate for it otherwise the drive is just wide open. And you'll naturally need 5.25 to 3.5 adapters.
 

alluu

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Jan 11, 2001
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Cause I need it Monday morning and I can't find any enclosures locally (Bay Area) for $50. Any links
 

Lord Evermore

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 1999
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Well, no. Physical stores seem to consider it a sin to carry low-priced, high-performance, non-brand name products like that. I would suggest calling around to mom-and-pop computer stores and asking.