I need an enclosure (USB, firewire or both) for a 250 gb IDE hdd. I have a couple of questions regarding it:

1) Does anything special need to be done for XP to recognise the drive once connected to a machine? I had to run some steps when I got this drive because IIRC XP has problems with partitions > 200 gb so I created 2 partitions for this drive. So, will something similar need to be done everytime I connect the drive (through the enclosure) to a new machine?

2) Nome recommendations for the same..ready to spend upto 70-80 bucks.

Thanks

My favorite external 3.5” HDD USB 2.0 enclosure is from Macally. I acquired it from Newegg.com for about $35.00; really affordable.

Answer to query: Just install the HDD in question and connect it to your system. It’s that simple. You do not need to configure WinXP to recognize the drive. I have a 160GB HDD installed in the Macally enclosure which runs marvelously between my TR5 and the desktop.

[quote author=“Rahul”]1) Does anything special need to be done for XP to recognise the drive once connected to a machine? I had to run some steps when I got this drive because IIRC XP has problems with partitions > 200 gb so I created 2 partitions for this drive. So, will something similar need to be done everytime I connect the drive (through the enclosure) to a new machine?

I don’t recall XP having a cap at 200gb, but there was a 137gb cap due to addressing size.  If you have SP1, you can enable 48 bit lba in the registry.  If you have SP2 there should be no problems.

Thanks, I’ve decided to go in for this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817146602

Same as the one Ishii suggested, just that this one has firewire support too!

Ishii, I have one more question for you…can the AC adapter be used on other voltages (220v) or does it work only on 110v?

The supplied AC Adapter is rated at 100-240v. So, you can definitely use the external enclosure in regions that utilize 220/240V.  :D

Thanks

You’re most welcome. I am sure you will love the external enclosure. Macally’s design is sleek and very sturdy. :D

i think i saw one that has like a apple G5 Steel metal cage, it looks pretty cool to me, i’ll post the link again after i can find where it is.

it’s from rosewill.
do a search on newegg. i’m gonna order one when i get back to the states. looks nice but some people complain of the power cord falling out all the time.

Cheers,
Art