Using a SATA/IDE to USB 2.0 Adapter

Hi Netfanatic123,

I've never actually seen one of these adapters work. I would recommend a USB external drive enclosure, which nearly always work.

My computer is showing an sm bus controller error. Could this be the problem?

Ok, what is the error? I assume you've got XP, right?

Yes, I have XP. I'm trying to retrieve my files from my old IDE hard drive, using the usb adapter. However, my computer isn't detecting my IDE drive.

I'm wondering if I need to install any drivers for this to work.

Also, I'm getting an SM Bus Controller error (a yellow exclamation mark). Could this be causing my computer's inability to detect my IDE hard drive? I've been searching for hours for a solution to this problem.

Unfortunately, I have no idea how to do that, Bev. Could you please instruct me on how to do so?

NetFanatic123

Did you set the IDE hard drive's jumpers to the 'Master' setting?

Bev.

Thanks.  The hard drive that I'm trying to install is a Western Digital, about 8 yrs old.

Do I need some sort of little while thing to jumper the driver. If so, I don't have one.

NetFanatic123

The procedure for setting the hard drive's 'jumpers', can be found HERE.   Dell's IDE drives are usually set to Cable Select [CS] by default.

The various jumper pin settings should be listed on either the drive's label, or casing.

Bev.

Thanks.  The hard drive that I'm trying to install is a Western Digital, about 8 yrs old. Do I need some sort of little while thing to jumper the driver. If so, I don't have one.

Bev,

The model number is WD400BB - 00DKA0. According to the diagram on the back of the driver, the small plastic jumper isn't required for the "Single or Master" setting, but is required for "Master w/ Slave Present" setting. I assume my current hard drive in my computer is set to master. So does that effect anything? I'm simply wanting to use the old hard drive externally to retrieve the files.

I have put IDE hard drive in enclosures before and leaving them in Single or Master was fine.

With these adapters there is always the possiblity that it doesn't work for your setup for some reason as evidenced by the generally favorable but occasionally negative reviews for these things on Newegg.com

Bev, The model number is WD400BB - 00DKA0. According to the diagram on the back of the driver, the small plastic jumper isn't required for the "Single or Master" setting, but is required for "Master w/ Slave Present" setting. I assume my current hard drive in my computer is set to master. So does that effect anything? I'm simply wanting to use the old hard drive externally to retrieve the files.

Thanks again, Bev. Yes, the IDE drive was working fine before it was removed from the desktop.

I've read the manual and still can't find a solution. Would I have a better chance of resolving this by getting an enclosure, as opposed to the adapter?

NetFanatic123

You could try contacting Vantec Technical support and see if they have any solutions to the issue, but it's probably easier to to buy an IDE powered USB 2.0 enclosure as suggested by ieee488.

Bev.