Question 1

is this compatible to use with a SAMSUNG HD161HJ 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive Bare Drive ?

Accepted Answer

The Western Digital drive has an IDE interface (40 Pin cable connector). The Samsung drive uses a serial (SATA Cable) connector. They can be used in the same PC, but the PC must have an IDE interface for the Western Digital drive and SATA interface for the Samsung. The key is that the Western Digital drive requires IDE interface. If the PC does not have a built in IDE interface (Only SATA) I would recommend that you purchase a drive with a SATA interface. SATA drive uses the newer interface and are much faster drives related to speed of reading/writing data to the drive. Hope this helps.

Question 2

If I get this will windows 7 be able to be installed onto it?

Accepted Answer

Don't know, but it worked fine for Windows XP SP3 installation on a pretty old Gateway PC.  My understanding is that, if it fits and connects, it's useful.  The issues tend to be, connectivity, speed of data transfer and capacity which should be somewhat operating system independent.  Call a Microsoft store (located in Seattle, and I assume, other big cities) that does repairs and ask.

Question 3

I have this old hard drive that I'm trying to retrieve information from. My problem is that I don't have anything old enough to plug the hard drive into to retrieve the data. Is there some sort of converter to plug into this hard drive that will work with the more recent system cables?

Accepted Answer

You'll have to use a IDE to USB data transfer device either a straight cable or a little box like contraption search newegg for IDE to USB.

Question 4

Hi- I am trying to find a power supply for my WD3200AAJB mounted in a ECS-STU35K external hard drive remote case. I have lost the original power supply so my question is what voltage and correct polarity of the power plug (center pin + or - ? ) are correct? I don't want to burn out the hard disk using an incorrect connection. I have several misc. power supplies and am hoping I will find one that is appropriate.
Thanks,
Dale Robbins

Accepted Answer

Hello Dale
Rule #1 if you aren't sure Don't Do It.

Your poor Hard Drive is crying "Don't Fry Me Bro,,Don't Fry Me." LOL

The majority of the time the center is positive,, But they do change it around every so often. so if you aren't sure please refer to Rule #1.

Google search "ECS-STU35K external Hard Drive Case power supply"
You should find what you are looking for.

Good Luck
FrostyTheDadMan

Brand	Western Digital
Series	Blue
Model	WD3200AAJB
Packaging	Bare Drive

Interface	IDE Ultra ATA100 / ATA-6
Capacity	320GB
RPM	7200 RPM
Cache	8MB
Average Seek Time	8.9ms
Average Latency	4.2ms

Features	Cool - WD Caviar SE boasts the lowest operating temperature of any hard drive in its class. Quiet - Noise reducing technology results in a nearly silent drive, perfect for home and business environments.
Usage	For Daily Computing

Western Digital Blue WD3200AAJB 320GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache IDE Ultra ATA100 / ATA-6 3.5" Internal Hard Drive Bare Drive

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Item#: N82E16822136109