rcdovala

Here is a link to an enclosure that should work for you.

https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Tool-free-Enclosure-Optimized-EC-UASP/dp/B00OJ3UJ2S/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1522740348&sr=8-4&keywords=sata+hdd+enclosure+2.5

This enclosure requires no tools so installation should be quite easy. I'm making a couple of assumptions. 1) You have a 2.5" hard disk drive and 2) Your drive is a SATA drive. (I would be surprised if otherwise). Good luck.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

So how would she use the SATA to USB? Either way the drive must be removed from it's case. If she is uncertain, any storefront computer repair store should be able to facilitate this for a modest fee.

quick235 Loc: Niagara Falls, NY

Ok, I am assuming the "plugin" port is what you are referring to as being broken? If so like everyone says buy a new case, Newegg has them fairly cheap, get a USB 3.0 or 3.1 as they are the new standard and faster transfer rates then USB 2.0, even if you do not have USB 3.0 on your computer doesn't matter they are backward compatible. If the "plug-in port" on the hard drive is broken, take it to a reputable computer store, they can recover your files, and do it cheaper than most online places. I use a backup drive on my computer, also an external hard drive and I use "Backfire" online backup service. It's only $50 a year, unlimited storage, easy to restore any or all files, everything is encrypted, and servers are well protected. Recommended by most computer websites. I do not like the "big Guys" they have been hacked and then denied it. Anyway personal preference. I hope this helps. A little patience you will get your photos back, trust me.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

It does sound like you have a 3.5"drive.

The adapter cable solution would require a power source other than the single USB connection that is the usual configuration for adapters intended for use with a 2.5" mechanical or SSD drive.

Also, these adapters cost as much as a case.

Since you have the drive already out of it's case, I would take it to a best buy or your local computer repair guy, or a Microcenter (if you are near one) and they will help you the rest of the way.

I would then use your 4TB drive as a second back up. I suggest getting a Western Digital Black or (or Re if you anticipate using that drive in a RAID array down the road), or an HGST Ultrastar - all three are fast, robust drives that are better than the cheap consumer external drives. You would put it into another case.

chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

A 4TB hard drive of that age will be a 3.5" drive. 2.5" versions of 4TB drives are a recent product. So being a 3.5" drive it will require a larger case and a power supply. Usually these days the power supply will probably be a brick like you get with a laptop. In NZ cases by themselves are harder to source because everybody has gone the integrated way. 2.5" versions of 4TB are 5400rpm and will be as slow as a wet week. A WD black 4TB will run at 7200rpm and will have a much larger cache. Coupled with USB 3 it will be a fast drive.

RE Loc: California

I am thrilled to say that I was able to repair my external drive. I found the part that had broke on ebay, once it arrived I was able to install in and return the drive back to it's original case. Thank you all for your assistance, without it I would probably still have a broken external drive since I had no clue it was repairable!