How to backup files from an external HD and detached SSD

zbook · 11 Jan 2020

There are drives that are different sizes in which the files need to be backed up.

There is a notebook computer and a 4 TB external HD to backup files.

There is no HD enclosure and if needed please suggest types.

The drives that have files that need to be baked up are:

a) Seagate Free agent goflex 1 TB (cable no longer working and case opened)

b) Liteon CX1-JB256-HP SSD

If available would you use one HD enclosure that has adapters to connect different types of drives?

Would you need to reinstall the SSD then connect the 4TB HD and copy and paste?
If its not the proper motherboard it may not boot to allow the copy and paste?

Would there be one hardware for both or would each hardware need a separate method?

Berton · 11 Jan 2020

There's only 2 types of drives to consider and 2 sizes of each for the cases, 3.5" for Desktops and 2.5" for Notebook/Laptop. There's only 2 types of power/data connections, the older PATA/Parallel ATA or commonly called IDE/ATA and the newer SATA/SerialATA. The PATA type cases are losing ground as less and less of the drives are made/sold. The SATA drive connections are the same for both sizes. The cases usually come with their own power supplies.

If buying anything USB 3 one must make sure the computer has USB 3 ports to get the better transfer speeds offered. If a Desktop doesn't have the USB 3 ports there are Add-in cards to get them, can't on Notebooks.

Side note: just saw a blurb in an E-Mail that the specification/s for USB 4 has been released. Just about the time we get to thinking we are catching up something improved or new comes along.

zbook · 11 Jan 2020

So one HD enclosure can be used to backup the 1 TB external HD.

In a storage box I may have a 15 - 20 year old HD enclosure. Could it still be used today for the Seagate external drive?

The notebook has one power USB3 and multiple USB2 ports.

Any ideas on backing up the files on the detached SSD?

Berton · 11 Jan 2020

I frequently just plug in an External USB drive [WDC My Passport 1TB or 750TB] for backing up data from clients' computers. I do keep SATA Docking ports on my computer desk and work table, right now using one with it's cloning process on a Win7 Pro drive to an empty drive "just-in-case" to use in testing if Win10 will work and to get the Digital License while it is still available. The cloning has been successful on a few setups and what I like is it cannot be connected to a computer to do it.

Along this like I also keep an adapter kit on hand for accessing the older PATA drives.

zbook · 11 Jan 2020

The SSD is in a box and I'm not sure which computer/motherboard it was previously installed.
The Seagate 1TB external HD was working well until the proprietary cable malfunctioned.

If the very old HD enclosure can be used it may be worth spending the time searching for it.

The comments in the prior post were not understood.
What connects to the detached SSD? Is there an adapter?

If Best buy has a HD enclosure for a external HD then the same HD enclosure can be used for an internal HD. There is no form factor issue?
And if you get a HD enclosure for an internal HD it can also be used for an external HD? The plastic case can be left open as long as the adapter fits into the drive?

Berton · 11 Jan 2020

If the very old HD enclosure can be used it may be worth spending the time searching for it.

The comments in the prior post were not understood.

What connects to the detached SSD? Is there an adapter?
a. Generally the cases to create an external drive come with the cable, just put a drive in it and bolt things down.

If Best buy has a HD enclosure for a external HD then the same HD enclosure can be used for an internal HD. There is no form factor issue?
a. Sometimes a drive can be removed from an External case to use a drive from inside a computer. Form factor would be the 2 sizes, 2.5" or 3.5".

And if you get a HD enclosure for an internal HD it can also be used for an external HD? The plastic case can be left open as long as the adapter fits into the drive?
a. Yes to both, I've done it on occasion, for temporary use. The part that is backwards is the drive fits into the case.

The 2.5" drives used in Notebooks also make good portable/pocketable drives, frequently are the same makes. The 3.5" drives in portable cases are better suited for moving from computer to computer in a business or shop, weigh more including the power supply that comes with them. What with buyouts and mergers there aren't as many brands of drives as when I started in a shop/store building computers back in late '94.

zbook · 11 Jan 2020

The computers that are in use are all notebooks.

If one hardware device is purchased would it be able to backup all (external HD without its case, internal HD, and detached SSD)?

If so would it then be best to choose which one?
The internal HD size since most drives in use are internal HD.....backup the Seagate 1 TB HD while its detached from its cases an while it is attached to the HD enclosure male/female connector and with an open HD enclosure case?

There is no special attachment for the SSD or is that an additional purchase?

xwray · 12 Jan 2020

I can tell you what I do.

For ssd's I have a Startech USB32SAT3CB adapter cable that has a SATA connector on one end and a USB3 connector on the other. If I want to copy an individual file(s) or make an image of the entire drive I connect the SSD to a PC or laptop via the cable and run file explorer or an imaging app as appropriate. The drive appears to be just another external drive so you can do pretty much what you can do with any "real" external drive.

If I have an olde IDE 40/44 pin hard drive I use a Startech USB2SATAIDE Adapter Powered by its own power brick to run the hard drive. This adapter can also handle an SSD but the simple cable adapter is so easy I generally use that one for an SSD. This mates the IDE drive to the PC via the attached USB cable where I again use file explorer or the imaging app as appropriate.

Very simple but effective. May be a little slow but what else are you gonna do? If I see it'll take a while I just let it run overnight...been doing it for years. I paid about $12.00 for the SSD cable and about $25.00 for the SSD/SATA adapter.

hope this helps a bit...

jimbo45 · 12 Jan 2020

zbook said:

So one HD enclosure can be used to backup the 1 TB external HD.

In a storage box I may have a 15 - 20 year old HD enclosure. Could it still be used today for the Seagate external drive?

The notebook has one power USB3 and multiple USB2 ports.

Any ideas on backing up the files on the detached SSD?

Hi there
@zbook

use SATA-->USB3 adapter --they work brilliantly for external SSD's -- USB3 speed is perfectly fast enough for that SSD connection --these things are CHHHHHHHEEEEAP too.

Cheers
jimbo