Getting data from an HDD

JohnJSal

JohnJSal

Active Member
My parents computer died a couple of months ago. When started up, it would beep a few times but never really load up. I suspect it was the fan.

At any rate, assuming the HDD is still fine, is there some *easy* way to get the files off of it? Such as hook it up via a USB cable to another computer, etc.?

Thanks.
 
At any rate, assuming the HDD is still fine, is there some *easy* way to get the files off of it? Such as hook it up via a USB cable to another computer, etc.?
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Yes, that would work. You could hook it up internally as well but if you have a USB enclosure that's faster and easier.
 
Cromewell said:
Yes, that would work. You could hook it up internally as well but if you have a USB enclosure that's faster and easier.
Click to expand...

So it wouldn't be just using a USB cable from PC to PC? I actually have to hook into the drive itself? And where do I plug the other end into? A USB port on the new PC, or do I need to open that one up too?
 
A hard drive enclosure would mean you have to open the PC with the failed drive in it (you will have to anyway). Then you put the drive in the enclosure and connect it by usb/firewire/esata to your PC.

To connect them internally, you would need to open both PCs and connect the drive as if you were installing a drive.
 
Cromewell said:
A hard drive enclosure would mean you have to open the PC with the failed drive in it (you will have to anyway). Then you put the drive in the enclosure and connect it by usb/firewire/esata to your PC.

To connect them internally, you would need to open both PCs and connect the drive as if you were installing a drive.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I guess I'll have to look at enclosures first.
 
Haha what type of hdd is it? Sata or IDE? Is pretty easy to put them into the new computer, I wouldn waste money on a enclosure.
 
It could be either. Do you know the model number of the dell?

There are lots of videos on youtube to show you how to install a hard drive if you don't know how to. As said above, it doesn't really make sense to get an enclosure just to transfer data once unless you are uncomfortable with opening up your PC to temporarily install a hard drive.
 
Cromewell said:
It could be either. Do you know the model number of the dell?

There are lots of videos on youtube to show you how to install a hard drive if you don't know how to. As said above, it doesn't really make sense to get an enclosure just to transfer data once unless you are uncomfortable with opening up your PC to temporarily install a hard drive.
Click to expand...

I'd have to check on the model. The only thing I'm unsure about is working with a Dell, because don't they use different type of hardware than standard ATX mobos and such? Or is it all still basically the same wires and connections?
 
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