Using USB to Sata Adapters

First you need to get one
This one is fine for most computers or laptops remember it is made for USB 3.0
That doesn't mean it won't work with USB 1.1 or 2.0 it will just be the fastest on USB 3.0/3.1.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812400542


Next you will need a Sata/SSD hard drive.
Crucial MX500 250GB about $60 (Premier Members)
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820156172


I suggest plugging the adapter into the drive first, then into the USB ports or ports (Some adapter have two USB leads) I would also have the computer or laptop turned on. Just to make sure you don't have any boot problems.

This is a new drive without a MBR or GPT and no partitions. So it's not going to just show up.You will need to initialize the hard drive, create a partition or partitions and format it. If you are using Linux or Windows use NTFS. If you are going to use the drive on a Apple OS use the slower Fat32 (Fat32 also limits your file size to 2 gigs per file)

To set the drive up you need to open Computer Management. There are a couple ways to do this. The easy way is to open your Windows File Explorer, Right click My Computer, Computer, This PC...what ever the name is on your system. Then left click Manage. If you can't find that open a run box type compmgmt.msc hit enter. (Windows Key + R brings up the run box in windows 8) That command works in Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 & Windows 10.

After Computer Management is open left click Disk Management. Now you should see the question about initializing the hard drive.
If you plan to have more then four partitions you need to use GPT (GUID Partition Table) or if the drive is larger then 4 Terabytes. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GUID_Partition_Table If you're using the drive just for a back-up drive (one partition) MBR (Master Boot Record) should be fine.


After that is finished it takes about 3 secondsRight Click on the new hard drive and select FORMAT. The default settings
should be fine, give it a Drive Letter F: and name USB 250 if you like. Now your new drive should be ready to use

If you will be replacing an exciting drive and copying the old drive to the new one you will only need to initialize the drive.
But make sure to use the same partition table as the old drive MBR or GPT.

Any questions just ask.
This post was edited by beastusa at November 1, 2018 12:29 PM PDT