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  • Subject: Can i run a laptop from a external HDD instead of a HDD?
Subject: Can i run a laptop from a external HDD instead of a HDD?

The strongest Rivals are also the strongest allies.

Long story short, my computer tells me it has encountered a HDD failure. in the apparent inevitable demise of the HDD, can i run the laptop with an external HDD with the OS installed on it?


Couldn't seem to word it properly on google.

  • 12.16.2012 9:15 PM PDT

Yes. But it will probably be slower than you are use to.

EDIT: Actually most external HDD's use the smaller hard drives that are compatible with laptops so all you need to do is disassemble your external HDD and take the actual hard drive out and stick it in your laptop. That way you get to use the fast connectors and not the usb inputs.

[Edited on 12.16.2012 9:20 PM PST]

  • 12.16.2012 9:18 PM PDT

Posted by: IStoleGoatsLeg
Yes. But it will probably be slower than you are use to.

Probably A LOT slower...
Just buy a new HDD. They're so cheap now-a-days.

  • 12.16.2012 9:19 PM PDT

The strongest Rivals are also the strongest allies.


Posted by: IStoleGoatsLeg
Yes. But it will probably be slower than you are use to.
ah cool thanks.

Yeah its an 6-7 year old acer that i only use to browse the web/play little games (minecraft/CSS ect). i have another computer that i recently brought as a replacement. but it isnt something i can sit back and do the little things with.

Actually most external HDD's use the smaller hard drives that are compatible with laptopsReally? i may just put the external in my new one, and the new one's into my old one.

[Edited on 12.16.2012 9:22 PM PST]

  • 12.16.2012 9:20 PM PDT
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Only if your laptop has an eSATA port.

  • 12.16.2012 9:27 PM PDT


Posted by: BOB THE DOCTER

Posted by: IStoleGoatsLeg
Yes. But it will probably be slower than you are use to.
ah cool thanks.

Yeah its an 6-7 year old acer that i only use to browse the web/play little games (minecraft/CSS ect). i have another computer that i recently brought as a replacement. but it isnt something i can sit back and do the little things with.

Actually most external HDD's use the smaller hard drives that are compatible with laptopsReally? i may just put the external in my new one, and the new one's into my old one.

Yeah most external HDD's use 2.5" HDD's. Though to actually take one out of its casing and use it in a laptop isn't really advised you are best off just getting a 2.5" HDD off on newegg and put it in your laptop if you don't want slow speed.

  • 12.16.2012 9:42 PM PDT


Posted by: What Is This1

Posted by: BOB THE DOCTER

Posted by: IStoleGoatsLeg
Yes. But it will probably be slower than you are use to.
ah cool thanks.

Yeah its an 6-7 year old acer that i only use to browse the web/play little games (minecraft/CSS ect). i have another computer that i recently brought as a replacement. but it isnt something i can sit back and do the little things with.

Actually most external HDD's use the smaller hard drives that are compatible with laptopsReally? i may just put the external in my new one, and the new one's into my old one.

Yeah most external HDD's use 2.5" HDD's. Though to actually take one out of its casing and use it in a laptop isn't really advised you are best off just getting a 2.5" HDD off on newegg and put it in your laptop if you don't want slow speed.
I did it with my laptop and it worked great. Gotta work with what you got.

  • 12.16.2012 9:55 PM PDT


Posted by: IStoleGoatsLeg
I did it with my laptop and it worked great. Gotta work with what you got.

I never said it couldn't work, but depending on the external HDD you have it can be easy or a pain in the ass and the same can be said about replacing an HDD in a laptop. Then considering the age of his laptop he might be better off just getting a new one.

  • 12.16.2012 10:00 PM PDT