how to use ide pata 80 gb hdd as external hdd?

Is it a 2.5" or 3.5" drive? When I googled it, it shows 3.5" drive.

you have to buy an "hard disk external casing".

For laptop hard disk (2.5"):
USB Casing for 2.5 inch IDE Laptop Hard Disk | eBay

For desktop hard disk (3.5"):
*www.ebay.in/itm/3-5-USB-Desktop-ID...Domain_203&hash=item3a6d7e0cdd#ht_3302wt_1140

thanks but is it (desktop hard disk) compatible with win-7?

yes it is.

thanks but today when I was checking my hdd (80gb pata) connecting with ide cable, my pc didn't recognize it and the hdd was producing a constant tic tac sound, what I did't get at all! is it ok for old hdd to produce such sound?

check with some HDD testing tool if theres any bad sector or it can be the spindle motor not able to spin the platters properly at constant speed.

billamama said:

thanks but today when I was checking my hdd (80gb pata) connecting with ide cable, my pc didn't recognize it and the hdd was producing a constant tic tac sound, what I did't get at all! is it ok for old hdd to produce such sound?

Click to expand...

That sound isn't normal.Try connecting it to some other computer with another IDE cable if possible.

I tried but it is not detected and kept making the strange tic tac noise

billamama said:

thanks but today when I was checking my hdd (80gb pata) connecting with ide cable, my pc didn't recognize it and the hdd was producing a constant tic tac sound, what I did't get at all! is it ok for old hdd to produce such sound?

Click to expand...

the HDD platter(s) inside is not spinning properly and that's why you are hearing tic tac sound - if it's still under warranty send it for RMA. This happens when a HDD is not used for a long time and is not stored properly - also check the IDE cable your are using and the mobo IDE slot too.

But if it's out of warranty you can try this ( do these at your own risk ) - shake the HDD 50-60 times and gently slap on the shiny surface and on the sides and see if the mobo recognizes it or not.