desktop hd in laptop

themadhacker · Post by **themadhacker** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 7:44 pm

I just bought a laptop with a wiped hd in it. I can not install a windows 98/200,xp in it though, because I have no disks to do so. But I have a hd from my old windows 98 desktop. So can I hook it up to the laptop? I know It would be too big to fit inside, but could it work?

Mario · Post by **Mario** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 7:59 pm

You'd have to find a 12v source in the laptop, and it would suck your batteries dry in no time, but yes, it would work.

lifeisbetterwithketchup · Post by **lifeisbetterwithketchup** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 8:00 pm

Also, you'll need an adapter of some kind, as 2.5" IDE connectors are smaller than 3.5" IDE connectors.

themadhacker · Post by **themadhacker** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 8:01 pm

Mario wrote:You'd have to find a 12v source in the laptop, and it would suck your batteries dry in no time, but yes, it would work.

Well then, screw it. I wish the laptop hadn't been wiped...or that I had an upgrade disk .

Mario · Post by **Mario** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 8:02 pm

themadhacker wrote:
Mario wrote:You'd have to find a 12v source in the laptop, and it would suck your batteries dry in no time, but yes, it would work.
Well then, screw it. I wish the laptop hadn't been wiped...or that I had an upgrade disk .

Get FreeDOS... It's great!

EDIT: No, wait! Get Linux!

vskid · Post by **vskid** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 8:17 pm

Does it have a product key on the bottom? I see nothing wrong with downloading windows if you have a legit key.

APHawkes · Post by **APHawkes** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 7:05 am

Indeed, the disk itself isn't the issue - it's the license. As long as it's got the sticker you should be ok as long as you use that license's activation code. Of course make sure you're getting a good disk. It sucks when you download a whole torrent of a Windows disk and all you get is a rip of "AmÃ©lie" without subtitles.

nitro2k01 · Post by **nitro2k01** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 9:19 am

APHawkes wrote:Indeed, the disk itself isn't the issue - it's the license. As long as it's got the sticker you should be ok as long as you use that license's activation code. Of course make sure you're getting a good disk. It sucks when you download a whole torrent of a Windows disk and all you get is a rip of "AmÃ©lie" without subtitles.

Better yet, find a friend who owns a legit copy, and use your own serial. Of course, with the current state of affairs, you might not be able to find a friend that actually has a legit copy.

Post by **Sparkfist** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 10:12 am

If the laptop has any USB ports check for any updates on the BIOS to see if you can boot it from a USB hard drive. That would be the best way to go, I can see. Enclosure will run you on the low end about $15 to as much as $35 for a USB 2.0 & Firewire. But you'll be able to just plug it in and run it.

You might have to do some research about booting Windows this way. I'm not sure if it's easy. Also you have to keep in mind that it might be a little slow when compared to say an EIDE drive, but not as much as you'd think.

themadhacker · Post by **themadhacker** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 1:24 pm

I actually have a disk for windows 98...but without product key. Now
I am searching for friends with an upgrade.

Bibin · Post by **Bibin** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 3:50 pm

What kind of laptop is it?