How do I mount a HDD through USB?

Pappasmurf2 · 09-26-2019, 06:03 PM

I have upgraded a friends Toshiba Satelite L300 laptop to SSD. How do I mount the old HDD via USB? So my friend can use it as storage.
Thank you in advance
Pappasmurf2

Thank you for your comments and I sorry for incomplete information.
The HDD is in a case and has been plugged in and has power (the light comes on). but it does not show up on the computer.
I have tried this line of code from the Command Line.

-f /var /log/messages -n 25
But still no joy.
Thanks again for your help so far.
appasmurf2

Firerat · 09-27-2019, 09:21 AM

plug it in

not much else I can add

petelq · 09-27-2019, 09:24 AM

Hi. Welcome to lq.
You need a usb connected case to hold the hdd. They're very reasonable on Amazon or your local computer shop. When you plug it in, it should be automatically picked up by the system asking you what you want to do with it (mount it). Or you can create a folder and permanently mount it by adding it to /etc/fstab.

mrmazda · 09-28-2019, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petelq

You need a usb connected case to hold the hdd.

A literal case isn't necessary. N82E16812119874 for US$10 on newegg.com is an example of what I mean, what looks like a mere cable with USB on one end and SATA connector on the other, but apparently has embedded electronics.

syg00 · 09-28-2019, 03:50 AM

And the quality varies enormously. For something like this I prefer to use a (solid) case. Worth the extra few bucks for the old data to be reliably available at call.
Been there, done (doing) it ...

fatmac · 09-28-2019, 04:19 AM

A USB housing & cable is best for a bare drive, (with a SSD, you would only need an adapter cable).

onebuck · 10-01-2019, 10:13 AM

Hi,

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmazda

A literal case isn't necessary. N82E16812119874 for US$10 on newegg.com is an example of what I mean, what looks like a mere cable with USB on one end and SATA connector on the other, but apparently has embedded electronics.

Yes this cable will work but only for 2.5" SATA drives;

Quote:

From specs at https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16812119874

Note: Cable will work only with 2.5" SATA drives, 3.5" / 5.25" drives are not supported

EDIT: I prefer using a case to protect the active drive from any damage. Cost for case is not that much more than a $1.00/us; https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E1681718...-367-_-Product
Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!

mrmazda · 10-01-2019, 10:29 AM

Given the context of the OP, a case would not be necessary. OP uses a laptop, so his old HD to connect would be no larger than 2.5".

That said, I have lots of external cases, because far more 3.5" HDs than 2.5", e.g. https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16817182247 of which I have about 5, because they are both USB, and more reliable and bus predictable, eSATA.

tofino_surfer · 10-02-2019, 03:28 PM

Quote:

I have tried this line of code from the Command Line.

-f /var /log/messages -n 25
But still no joy.

This isn't even a valid command. There is no program being called. Also there is a space between "/var /log/messages". I believe you are trying to do:

Code:

$ sudo tail -f /var/log/messages -n 25

However to detect a USB drive this is better.

Code:

$ ls -l  /dev/disk/by-id/usb-*
lrwxrwxrwx. 1 root root 9 Oct  2 16:14 /dev/disk/by-id/usb-Kingston_DT_Elite_3.0_00018F30C9F8AAC6020000180-0:0 -> ../../sdf

This is what I get when I have my Kingston flash drive inserted.

Pappasmurf2 · 10-17-2019, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tofino_surfer

This isn't even a valid command. There is no program being called. Also there is a space between "/var /log/messages". I believe you are trying to do:

Code:

$ sudo tail -f /var/log/messages -n 25

However to detect a USB drive this is better.

Code:

$ ls -l  /dev/disk/by-id/usb-*

Hi! I will use that thanks for your help.

This is the result

Code:

[sudo] password for peter:              
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 9 Oct 17 22:24 /dev/disk/by-id/usb-JMicron_Generic_0123456789ABCDEF-0:0 -> ../../sdb