Can you do an upgrade with external drive enclosures?

[rlcarr]

I'd like to upgrade my TiVoHD to 1TB. The problem is that none of my computers have SATA controllers. However, I do have two drive enclosures that accept SATA drives and then connect to the computer via USB2.0.

With either the Windows (WinMFS?) or Linux version of the MFS utilities work with drives connected via USB? Or do you they have to be directly connected to a SATA controller?

(And no, I'm not interested in buying a pre-imaged drive -- I want to preserve my recordings).

[SeanC]

Yes, you can absolutely use external enclosures.

[rlcarr]

What about the acoustic management software that comes with the drive? Will that work across USB2.0 so I can set the drive to its quietest mode? Or am I out of luck on that front?

[SeanC]

I believe that is only accessible from a boot disk that doesn't have USB drivers. So yeah, I think you are SOL on that front.

I wouldn't worry too much about the acoustic management before the upgrade. Do the upgrade, put your Tivo back together, and see if the noise is noticable/bothersome. If not, great. If it is, just see if you can find somebody with a computer with a sata port that you can use for 10 minutes. Take it to that guy and do it with his computer.

[richsadams]

A visit to the Official eSATA Drive Expansion: FAQ + Discussion (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=5616160#post5616160) sticky thread is in order. Everything you need to know is there (Section III, #30).