Is it possible to turn an external HDD into an OS?

[php111]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum.

I have a 100GB internal HDD. I have two external drives which are a 160GB, and a 2TB. I don't know what I'm doing to swap out the drives to give me a larger space. I don't have a screw driver, or tools either, and my PC is very small, so I would have a difficult time swapping out the drives. I don't know how to word my questions. Would it be possible to blank out my internal drive, and then use my external drive for what I would normally an internal for, but in this case it would be external? Or another way to look at is could I trick my external by thinking it's internal even though it's not? Or what are some other ways that I might be able to get that larger drive? I have to admit I'm not good at all with opening up my PC. I saw the inside when someone took off the cover, and where the drive goes it compact which is really small area to work, and tight.

Thank you if someone could reply back!

 

[seavixen32]

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

You can't install the operating system to a drive that that appears as removable to Windows 7 e.g. a USB hard drive.

You may get away with using an eSata drive if it can be configured so that it appears as an internal drive, but my knowledge doesn't extend any further than that.

You would also take a performance hit.

Without the tools and the confidence to do the job yourself, you'd be far better to get your local repair technician to do the job for you, i.e. install a bigger internal hard drive.

 

[php111]

Thank you for your reply.

I don't have an eSata. I only connect them via USB ports.

 

[seavixen32]

Then I think your best bet is to get someone who is qualified to install a bigger internal hard drive for you.

 

[DeaconFrost]

I'll agree as well. If you don't even have a screwdriver, you're only option is to take it somewhere....and pay for the work.

 

[php111]

I'll agree as well. If you don't even have a screwdriver, you're only option is to take it somewhere....and pay for the work.

DeaconFrost,

Thank you so much. I see your from Philly. You might be able to help? I live in Bethlehem. What are some reasonable shops, and how much are they? I believe Geek Squad from Best Buy aren't that good, right? Are you familiar with Bethlehem/Allentown?

Thank you for your response!

 

[DeaconFrost]

You are right to be weary of the Geek Squad, as they are typically under-trained and under-experienced.

I am not that familiar with your area, aside from visiting once to the casinos and Emeril's restaurant. If you have some mom & pop shops near you, that could be an option. How far are you from Warminster? I have a friend who owns a shop there, who would be very qualified and trustworthy.

 

[cokane]

My question is why do you want to install the OS on an external in the first place?

Is your problem the lack of hard drive space? is full all the time making your computer slow down? constantly moving files to clear space?

I have a 500 GB internal and almost 2 TB of external storage, and I must say my 500 GB fills up and becomes a pain as well.

You can try using Disk Management to assign a mount point to a folder, thus bypassing the internal storage.
Assign a mount point folder path to a drive

You might be able to figure out what is hogging up all your space with WinDirStat WinDirStat - Windows Directory Statistics