I have an old 40GB 3.5-inch internal HDD that isn't really useful for modern computing tasks. Instead of creating a Windows installation using a USB or DVD, I'm wondering if it's possible to repurpose this internal HDD as a bootable installation drive. I noticed that Rufus has the option to 'list USB hard drives,' but my internal HDD doesn't appear in that list. Does this mean I need to buy a USB enclosure or a NAS to make this work?
4 Answers
You could potentially turn it into a bootable HDD, but lots of people would advise against it. Even if you manage to do it, consider getting a cheap USB flash drive instead—it'll save you a lot of hassle!
If you're set on using that HDD, try getting a USB to SATA/IDE controller converter; they usually go for about $15. It's a viable option, but you might find better value in a new 32GB USB drive for around $5. Just saying!
Why would you want to do that? I mean, it's kind of an interesting idea, but there are faster alternatives out there. Just a heads-up!
While it technically could work, using that HDD as a bootable device might not be practical due to its speed. It's often better to stick with newer solutions; some things are just better off recycled.
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