I need to temporarily install a laptop hard drive (Hitachi DK23EB-40; ATA-5 enhanced IDE Interface) in a desktop in order to transfer some data to another disk (the orig laptop has failed). The interface from the laptop drive (40 pin IDC) to the desktop controller ('standard' IDE cable) is one problem I can work on but I am not sure if, once the connection is made, will the disk interface with the controller software so I can access the data?

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You'll need a laptop to ide adapter (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=laptop+to+ide+adapter&btnG=Google+Search).

Do you want to install it inside the hard drive or externally in a case?

Welcome to http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif

You'll need a laptop to ide adapter (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=laptop+to+ide+adapter&btnG=Google+Search).

Thanks- it worked very well.