Quick connection for external hard drive

I have an internal hard drive which I want to quickly connect to my PB so I can initialise it and make a clone.
I don't have an enclosure at the moment, and I'm sure I've seen a ribbon cable which enables you to attach the drive on its own to the firewire port (with the 40 pin female on the other end).
Am I imagining this? If not, what's it called and where can I get one?
Thanks.

Hi, Dan. There are USB2 adapters of the sort you describe, but I haven't seen any equivalent FireWire adapters advertised. I took a look around for one a couple of weeks ago and had no luck at all. Maybe someone else has been more successful and will post a link.
The downside of USB2 for your purposes is, of course, that you can't boot a PowerPC Mac to a USB device — so there'd be little point in cloning a whole drive to one as a backup strategy.

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Minimum connection for external hard drive

Hopefully this is the correct subdepartment for this question.
I'm shopping for an external hard drive to which I'll be saving and storing movies and digital videos. The playback method will be a Powerbook G4 (15-inch FW800 1.5GHz) running DVD Player connected with composite cables to a TV -- any TV.
I'm searching for best value in terms of GB per dollar in the 300GB range. There are so many variables, but I think connection type is biggest factor. Are the USB 2.0 drives fast enough for what I need or would FW800 be a more reasonable minimum? Are there other more important factors?
2GHz Mac OS X (10.4.4) 23"17"PB15

Here's a portion of what I posted to a similar question. First, regarding FW400 vs FW800, if I were going to be reading data off a FW connection for immediate usage as you described, I'd want to use the fastest connection possible, FW800. From the other post....
A Western Digital 320 gb external enclosure (USB/FW 400) goes for around $200. However, all have one year warranties.
Another option, assemble your own, requires the hard drive and case: A 320 gb Western Digital, with a 5 year warranty, 7200 rpm ultra ATA interface (you can't use a serial ATA interface with a pre-Oct PB), cost for the drive around $140. They also make drives for a few bucks less with 3 year warranties. I prefer Western Digital drives over Seagate drives, as I've found them to run cooler.
Add a Rosewill RX30 external case (includes power supply and USB/FW 400) $60. This brushed aluminum case looks like it was made to sit right next to our PB's (I've got one). You can see it at their web site at http://www.rosewill.com/product/product.aspx?productId=80 or also at Newegg at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817173003. So for $200, you can have a 320gb hard drive with a 3 to 5 year warranty, and a stunning case. If you want, the Rosewill case also comes with FW800 for another $35.
Assembling it is very easy - you can read the directions on Rosewill's site at http://www.rosewill.com/RosewillSoftware/RX30_eng.pdf , for example. You disassemble the case by taking out 4 screws on the bottom of the Rosewill case, plug the included plug into the hard drive, secure the hard drive with 4 screws to the case, and reassemble it.

Can i connect a external hard drive to apple tv 3 generation, for see my movies itunes with out use streaming or icloud?

can i connect a external hard drive to apple tv 3 generation, for see my movies itunes with out use streaming or icloud? in apple tv 3 and 2?
That i want to know is i can connect a external hard drive to apple tv, for see my movies that i keep in my external hard drive, i dont want to see then whit the streaming and icloud, or used my laptop o pc for access de movies and stuff.
i put iny spanish to, because i feel my english is not so good, but i hope you understand me.
if i can´t connect a external hard drive, wich others media players divices you know that can see itunes movies?
¿quisiera saber si se puede conectar una memoria externa al apple tv, para ver el contenido de itunes que tengo guardado en esa memoria como peliculas, ect?
lo que no quiero es usar la icloud, o el servicio streamig para ver mi contenido, ni tener que usar la computadora para ver mi contenido el la tv?
y de no poderse conectar que otros dispositivos media pleyer conoces para ver peliculas de itunes en la tv?

Welcome to the Apple Community.
can i connect a external hard drive to apple tv 3 generation
Unfortunately not.

I cannot connect my external hard drives (1 WD My Passport and 1 LaCie Porsche Design). The drives were connected and worked perfect, the WD is used as a Time Capsule, the LaCie is formatted as exFAT and used for miscellaneous. They are both USB 3.0

I cannot connect my external hard drives any longer. I have one WD "My Passport" used as a Time Capsule and one LaCie Porsche Design used for all different kind of data, formatted in exFAT. They worked fine, connected direct or through an additional USB hub or also attached to a Dell monitor. The Lacie helds my iTunes Library and the iPhoto library.
After I moved the iTunes library to the external drive, from time to time the drive went into a never ending loop and I had to shut down the laptop (MacBook Air).
The last time starting again the drives were not recognized any longer. I tried to connect them to another MacBook, which didn't work.
Starting with Windows 7, the WD is also not recognized at all (perhaps because of time capsule format?) and the LaCie gives an error.
Could anybody tell me if there is a chance to get them alive again? When I connect them now, they start to heat up quite fast without anything else happening.
Thanks

Hi,
Just want to clarify, have you checked to make sure the cords are not damaged (going from hard drive to computer and or any power source )?
You have also check to make sure that usb ports are working correctly?
If you have checked these things it may be that the external drives have failed.
I would google the error message from the LaCie drive before I do anything.
There are several ways that I know of, one is to put the hard drive in the freezer for a while (make sure you wrap it air tight) if this works it is not a permenint fix. You might be able to transfer information to another source.
The other method is to plug the hard drive into a hard drive connector a product like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817707192
to do this you would have to remove the hard drive from its enclosure and still this is not a guarantee it will work.
The finally way I know is using a recovery service. This can be rather expensive, and there are no guarantees

Can I connect an external hard drive to Time Capsule for off site back up?

I like having a copy of everything at another site in case of a house fire. Can I connect an external hard drive to Time Capsule to make a duplicate of what is on Time Capsule? I would store that hard drive at work and bring it home monthly or something to back up Time Capsule. Thanks!

Can I connect an external hard drive to Time Capsule to make a duplicate of what is on Time Capsule?
That is exactly what the Archive function on the Time Capsule is for. Connect a USB drive and click Archive, and a mirror image of your Time Capsule will be copied over to the USB drive. It's a slow process that will take 4-8 hours depending on how much data is on the Time Capsule, so best to start things late at night and let them run overnight.
Another option would be to use a commercial application like Carbon Copy Cloner to keep your backup. The advantage to this approach is that once the first "master" backup is done, the application will only back up the changes on the Time Capsule that have occurred since the last backup. So, subsequent backups will be much faster, probably only taking about 10-15 minutes.

I connected my external hard drive to my new imac to put all of the information from my macbook onto it. i have been working on the macbook now and want to reconnect the external hard drive so my imac is updated with the work. How is that done?

I connected my external hard drive to my new imac to put all of the information from my macbook onto it. I have been working on the macbook now and want to reconnect the external hard drive so my imac is updated with the work. How is that done? or is it possible?

As I said, I don't use Time Machine, so it'd be best to wait for an "expert" answer, but, with my very limited knowledge, I'd say: probably not - so, for now, I'd suggest you read up on Time Machine:
http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/Home.html
http://support.apple.com/kb/index?page=search&src=support_site.home.search&local e=en_US&q=time%20machine
And, you might be attracting more knowledgeable answers if you were to post this question in the Time Machine Forum (part of the Snow Leopard forums).

I perviously transfered all my iTunes music to an external hard drive. But now when I connect the external hard drive and try to play a song, I get an error message saying that I need to "locate" my music. I don't how to find it on my external hard drive.

I perviously transfered all my iTunes music to an external hard drive. But now when I connect the external hard drive and try to play a song, I get an error message saying that I need to "locate" my music. I don't how to find it on my external hard drive. Please help for I am not that computer savy and don't want to mess anything up.
Thanks!

I called Apple Support and they walked me through it. They told me to basically copy and paste my music to the external hard drive. (I think.) Or maybe it was they had me transfer a folder to the EHD. I don't exactally remember it was a few years back. But I tried to plug in the EHD before starting and...nothing. Still says same thing, "locate file."

If i connect an external hard drive to my time capsule will it be backed up on time capsule?

I recently connected an external hard drive to my time capsule using the usb port on the time capsule. Will that external hard drive be included in the time machine back up? If not, how do I include it?

Time Machine cannot back up a hard drive that is connected to the USB port on the Time Capsule.
If you want to backup the hard drive, it must be connected to your Mac to be included in Time Machine backups. Additional settings will need to be made if you do this, so post back for details if you need them.
If you cannot connect the drive to your Mac, then you will need to use another backup program like Carbon Copy Cloner, SuperDuper or Chronosync to backup the hard drive to the Time Capsule.

Can i connect an external hard drive to my ipad?

I am getting an Ipad Air soon, and will be getting a Macbook next year, not decided which one yet but is their any chance i can connect an external hard drive to my Ipad? Im getting the less memory one because i cant afford the higher one yet my parents have offered to get me an external hard drive... With me going to uni next year and having to use my ipad in lectures this could really help :/

There are WiFi Hard Drives that you can use within iPad, but by the time that you factor in the price for that you might be better off just asking mom and dad to help pay for the larger capacity iPad and use iTunes and your Mac for the "external storage" that you might need.
Really - if you are going to purchase a MacBook and an iPad, I don't see any need at all for an external drive. But take a look here.
https://www.google.com/search?q=WiFi%20Hard%20Drives%20for%20iPd

How do I connect an external hard drive to iPad 3?

Hi
I was was wondering if it is possible to connect an external Hard drive to iPad 3! I like to watch movies on my iPad3 and 64 GB cannot hold big files.
Thanks

There are some wireless external hard drives that can be used with the iPad.
The Kingston Wi-Drive, which costs $50 for the 16 Gigabyte, and then $30 more for every 16 gigs more. It works by you turning it on and then accessing the files on it from an app that you download on your iDevice. You can access music, movies, and other stuff. No connections or anything, it works like a WiFi connection, you connect to it from the setting on the iPad under wireless networks.
Then there is the Seagate GoFlex, which some would recommend over the Wi-Drive. But this one costs $199 and had 500 Gigabytes of storage. It works the sameway as the Kingston: no wires, runs over its wireless connection. You can actually fit up to 300 HD movies on it.
Another option:
Expand your iPad's storage capacity with HyperDrive
http://www.macworld.com/article/1153935/hyperdrive.html
On the road with a camera, an iPad, and a Hyperdrive
http://www.macworld.com/article/1160231/ipadhyperdrive.html
 Cheers, Tom

How do I connect my external hard drive with all of my digital media to my Apple TV network and make it accessable 24/7?

How do I connect my external hard drive with all of my digital media to my Apple TV network and make it accessable 24/7? I have the latest Apple TV, ipads, iPhones as well as a solid HP Windows machine all on my home network. Is there a way that I can connect my hard drive to my receiver or Apple TV directly so that the digital media is available on my network 24/7 rather than have it connected to my computer and available through Home Share which never works anyway??

Sorry it's all done through iTunes.
The following article(s) may help you with home sharing.
Troubleshooting Home Sharing
Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections
Recommended Wi-Fi settings
Wifi Diagnostic Software (for Mac users)
You may also find some help on this page, where I’ve collected some of the more unusual solutions to network issues.

Can I connect an externa hard drive and access files from 2 or more computers wirelessly?

Is there a way to connect an external hard drive to my linksys modem and access the files wirelessly by 2 or more computers?
I have a wireless G wrt54G modem working on windows XP a desktop and laptop on my home system. I have a WD “my book” external hard drive with a usb interface. My modem does not have a USB interface.
At work I also have 4 laptops using XP and vista and looking to have them all access an external hard drive and printers. I have not selected a hard drive for the work system.
If yes can I add 2 or more printers and print form all connected computers?
If yes, is it possible to access the files of the external hard drive (home system) via the internet?
Thanks in advance for all your help

First, your WRT54G is a router, not a modem. Different function.
Yes, you can "connect an external hard drive... and access the files wirelessly by 2 or more computers," just not that external hard drive. You need one that supports network attachment, with an ethernet connection.
And you can print to printers from various computer, again if the printers are made to support that.
The answer to your last question is maybe. Oh, it's definitely possible, but may require learning about static IP addresses, dynamic DNS, firewalls, port forwarding, file sharing...

Why does my macbook pro crash when I connect my external hard drive?

When I connect my external hard drive to my macbook pro (with fire wire) it crashes my computer... Any thoughts or help??

Thanks for the response. I tried both methods with the same end result.
I'm in safe mode now. It doesnt show up as being plugged in. It worked fine when connected with the USB-I went to disk utilities and repaired the disk.
I tried to plug in with the firewire, again and it shut down my computer..
Any other suggestions?

Is it possible to open a program when connecting an external hard drive?

Is it possible to open a program when connecting an external hard drive?
I have a external hard drive with an iphoto library. I just want to connect my drive and automatically see iphoto open! Possible?
I know there are some action scripts, am i right?

Ok, here are the steps to take. Doing this involves generating two scripts, the first of which will have the system monitor the attachment of a hard drive, and the second which will conditionally open iPhoto. To make these and set them up, perform the following steps (it is a little involved, but will get you the result you want):
Script 1: A launch agent to monitor attached hard drives
1. Open the Terminal utility in the /Applications/Utilities/ folder. Then copy and paste the following command into it and press Enter, which will open up an editor program in the Terminal:
pico ~/Library/LaunchAgents/iphotodrive.plist
2. Now copy and paste the following text to the Terminal window in its entirety so it is all entered into the Terminal editor:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
          <key>Label</key>
          <string>local.iPhotoDrive</string>
          <key>QueueDirectories</key>
          <array/>
          <key>WatchPaths</key>
          <array>
                    <string>/Volumes</string>
          </array>
          <key>ProgramArguments</key>
          <array>
                    <string>/Users/USERNAME/Library/iphotodrive.sh</string>
          </array>
</dict>
</plist>
3. Use the arrow keys to navigate your cursor down to the place where it says /Users/USERNAME/Library..., and change the text of "USERNAME" to be the same name as your account home folder. For example, my login name in OS X is "tkessler" so my home folder is also "tkessler," so for me this is what should go in place of "USERNAME" in the text above.
4. Now press Control-O to save the file, and then Control-X to exit the editor (use Control, and not the standard Command key here).
Script 2: A shell script to open iPhoto when your drive is attached
1. Type (or copy and paste) the following command in the same Terminal window to make the second script in the same editor:
pico ~/Library/iphotodrive.sh
2. Now copy and paste the following text into the Terminal editor:
#/bin/bash
if [ -d /Volumes/"IPHOTODRIVE" ]; then
        open -a iPhoto;
fi
3. Again use the arrow keys to navigate, and edit the text IPHOTODRIVE to be the exact name of the drive you would like to spur iPhoto to open. The name will be case-sensitive, and spaces are OK within the quotes.
4. Again save this file by pressing Control-O, then press Control-X to quit the editor.
5. Next ensure this new script can be run, so to do this now copy and paste the following command:
chmod +x ~/Library/iphotodrive.sh
Now to activate these scripts you can log out of your account and log back in, and they should work as expeted, and will launch iPhoto only when a drive named "IPHOTODRIVE" (or whatever you edited this entry to be) is attached to the system. This procedure will create two files at the following locations on your computer, so to undo it simply remove these two files followed by logging out and back in, and you should be good to go:
/Users/USERNAME/Library/iphotodrive.sh
/Users/USERNAME/Library/LaunchAgents/iphotodrive.plist
If you run into any problems, then write back here and we can figure out if there are any nuance details to cover for your setup.

If I wanted to connect an external hard drive to my iPad, what can I use? Do I have to use the Mac mini??

If i wanted to connect an external hard drive to my iPad, what can I use? Or would I have to purchase a Mac mini?

Sorry, I DO NOT RECOMMEND the camera connection kit for what you are asking!
I was trying to say that as I have the connection kit (bought for camera use so no loss for me)
I often WISH it could do more.
So sorry for the confusion.
The camera connection kit only allows you to send photos and video (that are correctly formatted I might add) to the photos app.
Other people have had success with it connecting to keyboards, but that us not so useful.

Quick connection for external hard drive

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