Tuesday, December 29, 2009

How to Convert ATA IDE Cables to USB Cables

Many older computer devices used Parallel or Serial IDE cables to connect the device to a computer's motherboard. Newer computers have replaced these connections with different technology, making older storage devices incompatible with newer computers. Fortunately, IDE cables using the AT Attachment (ATA) can be converted to modern Universal Serial Bus (USB) cables using the appropriate adapter. These adapters can be purchased from various computer hardware retailers.This guide will walk you through the process of converting your ATA IDE cables to USB cables so that you can connect your older devices.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • IDE to USB Adapter
  1. Step 1

    Acquire an ATA/IDE to USB cable adapter. These can be purchased from any retailer specializing in computer hardware, such as Amazon.com, Newegg.com, or Tigerdirect.com. For your convenience, links to this product from each of these retailers is provided below, under Resources.

  2. Step 2

    Disconnect both your computer and the IDE device from their respective power sources. This is an important step whenever altering computer hardware, because it protects your devices and yourself from damage caused by electric shock.

  3. Step 3

    Connect the "male" end of the ATA/IDE adapter to your IDE device.

  4. Step 4

    Connect a USB or USB 2.0 cable to the other end of the adapter.

  5. Step 5

    Connect the USB cable to your computer.

  6. Step 6

    Reconnect the IDE device and your computer to their appropriate power sources and turn on your computer.

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