Accessing an Obsolete ATA Disk Drives using USB-to-IDE Interface Cable

This article describes how to access data on obsolete ATA disk drives using an IDE-to-USB interface adapter cable.

Hardware Setup

The IDE drive must be switched to "Master" mode by moving the jumper pins near the cable connector. Attach the IDE-to-USB adapter between the disk drive and your computer. Attach the power supply and plug it in.

Disk Drive Letter Not Assigned

There may be a problem with Windows 7 allowing drive letter assignment to the newly-attached USB drive. The fix for this problem requires registry edits which are risky if done wrong and will render Windows 7 unbootable. These edits will not be discussed on this post.

The problem disappears if you are willing to erase and re-create the partition.