Windows 10: Want to back-up to external hard drive

This is more of a hardware-related question, so I hope it's ok to post it here.

I have a hard drive that was the internal hard drive for my previous computer. I saved it since there was nothing wrong with it when my old computer died. Since it was a newer replacement for an older HDD that died in that computer not long before, I figured it might serve a future purpose.

I had been looking at SATA adaptors so I could plug this hard drive into my new laptop to access its contents and even use it as an external drive to back up my new laptop, but the adaptors I found seemed awfully expensive for what they are: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/j5creat...?skuId=5091216

Then I was advised to just get a hard drive enclosure, which I thought was a bit odd since I'm looking to connect my HDD to my laptop. I'm not worried about enclosing it in a container. But after doing some research, it seems that the enclosure includes a method of connecting it as well. At least, that's what appears to be the case. But is it? I can't entirely tell by the descriptions. But here's one that seems very reasonably priced: https://www.walmart.com/ip/2-5-inch-...Blue/102276332

According to the description, it even includes a USB cable. If that's the case, it seems to provide connectivity. But why an enclosure AND cable costs less that just a cable is beyond me!

It would be nice if something that encloses the HDD and provides a way of connecting it to my computer actually cost a fraction of what a simple cable costs. But it would be a waste of money if it didn't even let me connect it. That's the most important part.

Any advice?

:)

 

External Hard Drive

Hi John,

We suggest that you try the troubleshooting steps below:

• Open your External Hard Drive file in File Explorer.
• Type the name of the file you want to search on the search box and click Enter.

The file will show up in Search Results and you will be able to move it to the correct folder.

Let us know if you need further help.

 

External hard drive not recognised

Thanks for this. I've done what you suggested and been through all the steps mentioned in the article. The hard drive works fine on a Mac computer, and I've managed to copy the information on it. It must be a Surface issue so I'll try to get a chat line tomorrow.

 

External Hard Drive

To address your concern, here are the troubleshooting steps that you can try. Follow the steps below:

Uninstall and reinstall the external hard drive program.

• In the Settings app, go to System.
• Go to Apps & features and locate the external hard drive program.
• Uninstall the program and go to the manufacturer's website to reinstall the updated version.

Uninstall and reinstall the Paragon driver software.

• Following the same steps mentioned above, locate the software in Apps & features
  and uninstall it.
• After uninstalling the software, go to the manufacturer's website to reinstall it.
  

To further isolate your concern, we'd also like to verify if the OneDrive app is enabled on your PC.

You can hit us back for additional help.

Kind regards.