I would like to recover some data from the HD on my old laptop (Toshiba Satellite 1710) that recently died. I believe there is a USB cable available that attaches to an internal HD to use it as an external HD - is there a difference in the type of connector for laptop HD's or even a different power requirement ?

Hi You can use an adapter that will allow you to plug in a laptop HDD into a normal ide setup in a desktop. No power adjustment is required, it is just that laptops use a more compact connector. You could use USB for transfer, but I think it would be better if you hooked it as a slave into the ide setup of your desktop, using an adapter.

Thanks anenefan, any suggestions on what adapter I should be looking for? Never done this before so the more advice I can get the better. Sean.

Hi http://www.priorityelectronics.com/laptopaccessories/universal-laptop-parts.htm http://www.mycableshop.com/sku/ST-BRACKET25.htm http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=906&sku=17705 UK http://www.laptopbits.co.uk/Database_files/Hard_Drive_Accessories.htm http://www.mcsx.co.uk/shop/2-5-to-3-5-ide-adapter-kit.htm

Thanks again :)