Externally powering a usb powered external hard drive

[GrandmaBees]

I have been reading a similar string on here and it is somewhat helpful, but I have a bit of a twist on it. I have a usb powered external hard drive with only one usb plug. I need to transfer all of the movies and shows off my dish network dvr before they replace it and the external hard drive needs to be self powered. How do I do that with what I have? I really hate to spend hundreds of dollars to save the info.

 

[reedo_43]

2.5 or 3.5? Most 2.5 (laptop sized) only need the 1 plug. Are you saying that it does not power up?

 

[GrandmaBees]

I guess I didn't phrase my question correctly. The usb that connects the hd is the only one and the dvr will not power it and allow me to transfer the information. I was told I need a self powered external hard drive. I am trying to find an inexpensive way around buying a new drive.

 

[reedo_43]

i am assuming it powers from pc but not dvr?

 

[GrandmaBees]

yes

 

[reedo_43]

Some thing like this

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-USB2HABMY1-Cable-External-Drive/dp/B003WV5DMO/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1412702788&sr=8-6&keywords=dual+cable+external+hard+drive+connector

But I don't know if you dvr has 2 usb or if it does even provide power.

 

[GrandmaBees]

The Dish DVR does not provide power. I saw something like that cable at another source and was thinking of trying it. The only thing I need is the third lead to be a regular usb plug.

 

[GrandmaBees]

My thought being that I could plug one into my laptop, one into the hd and the third into the dvr for the transfer.

 

[reedo_43]

Do you have a laptop? If so, get the dual cable, put 1 in the laptop to power it and the other in the dvr for the data. I guess a pc would would work as well but would be more cumbersome. Does that make sense?

 

[GrandmaBees]

Yes. Thank you.

 

[reedo_43]

My thoughts exactly. You seem to have a good grasp on your own. I am impressed! And I do this stuff for a living.