I initialize the disk management utility and XP using the USB 300 GB and it works well. I transferred files from old three 3-1/2 “IDE hard drives, it is not listed with an IDE to USB adapter. When you use the same cable for the 2-1/2″ IDE laptop XP Disk on “management”, but it can not be studied. “It also shows not on XP” My Computer “, so I am not able to trasfer bin.Ich arbitrary files now at a loss as to how the data [retrieve from the damaged disk before reinstalling the OS . Do all "Data Recovery" options, trying without success.] [And The Geek Squad wants $ 170, do it for me... not this time again...] [Do it now be done in DOS? Is he involved?] What can someone show me in the right direction to get the laptop dirve provided data on the mass storage device?? My technical knowledge is average… but I can follow instructions and acquire new skills…, O]