Is it possible to preserve the data already present in the hdd after converting

[Paul39]

I have a 500gb hdd in my desktop pc. I wish to convert the hdd into an external hdd and use it with my laptop. I have 2 questions:
1) the steps to follow for converting the hdd into an external hdd.
2) is there any way of preserving the data on the hdd?

 

[PhilFrisbie]

1. Purchase an external drive case and install the hard drive into it.
2. The data should still be accessible.