Rescuing data from a HD? Tech nerd wanted.

[atrottel]

That's it, the thingy-mabob.

Saw on number 1 that you might be able to do it without one but it looked complicated. I'm crap at tech stuff. The second version looked almost idiot-proof, which is where I come in.

Actually for me, number 1 looked easier. Depends how much you want the data - there's a reason why "data recovery" is one of the highest-paying advertising phrases on Google.

If your old computer is not working you can't get to the user interface where you tell all the pixels and twiddly bits what to do. So you need to take the bit which hopefully still has your data (the hard drive) and put it somewhere where a computer with a user interface can read it. Installing it on a new computer (not laptop) sounds easiest.

If that don't work, unscrew the hard drive, take it to a computer shop and ask around until you can find someone who can retrieve the data and stick it on a stick or an external drive for you.

(You know that you will be backing up in future, but for the sake of anyone who is reading this and isn't backing up their data regularly, do it or feel a **** when you lose it.)

 

[Nebbiolo]

It just felt right at the time...I was feeling the !.

No, I don't

You're quite a funny bloke, Azz.

Fancy joining a clique? We're a member or two down.

 

[Azzbot]

Yes please :blink:

 

[Nebbiolo]

Yes please :blink:

Hehe. You found those smilies then, Azz.

(you're in, lid)

 

[Azzbot]

I did indeed

Ohhh lid, I like it, lid

 

[Nebbiolo]

I did indeed

Ohhh lid, I like it, lid

Still not fixed the damned computer thingy though, lid.

 

[Azzbot]

Hmmm. Have you bought the USB thingy yet?

 

[Nebbiolo]

Hmmm. Have you bought the USB thingy yet?

No Azz, I was hoping someone would post a link to exactly the one I should purchase from ebay.

 

[Azzbot]

I don't think it matters mate. I think they all do the same job...

 

[steevie]

No Azz, I was hoping someone would post a link to exactly the one I should purchase from ebay.

I cant help you Nebs, i would if i could. I just about can find the spacebar on my keyboard.

 

[Nebbiolo]

I cant help you Nebs, i would if i could. I just about can find the spacebar on my keyboard.

I'm slightly better, I've mastered the keyboard as well.

 

[marekb]

Right the fella, assuming the old hdd is of the IDE vintage then something like this will do the trick.

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/159436

or if it is a SATA disk then
Extra Value 3.5" USB2.0 Hard Drive Enclosure for upto 1.5TB SATA Hard Drives - Retail - Ebuyer

Basically remove said disk from old pc, fit into enclosure, switch new pc on, connect enclosure to new pc with usb cable, allow windows to detect and voila job done.

All assuming that you havent knackered your old disk, but even if your old machine doesnt boot, doesnt necessarily mean the user data on the disk is not accessible. Any questions, just shout.

 

[Azzbot]

Right the fella, assuming the old hdd is of the IDE vintage then something like this will do the trick.

Akasa 3.5" USB2.0 Silver Hard Drive Eclosure for IDE Drives Card Reader & 1 Touch Back-Up - Ebuyer

or if it is a SATA disk then
Extra Value 3.5" USB2.0 Hard Drive Enclosure for upto 1.5TB SATA Hard Drives - Retail - Ebuyer

Basically remove said disk from old pc, fit into enclosure, switch new pc on, connect enclosure to new pc with usb cable, allow windows to detect and voila job done.

All assuming that you havent knackered your old disk, but even if your old machine doesnt boot, doesnt necessarily mean the user data on the disk is not accessible. Any questions, just shout.

I suspect he will give you a shout about the words I put in bold

 

[TX Tiburon]

I suspect he will give you a shout about the words I put in bold

If you pull the drive out, it will probably identify itself as either IDE or SATA on the manufacturer's label but just in case...

An IDE drive will have a cable that connects it to the system board that looks like a ribbon, about and inch to inch and a half wide.

It's SATA if the cable that connects the drive to the system board looks more like the telephone cable between your wall and your phone.

 

[Nebbiolo]

Boys (TX and Marek ), that is really helpful and I'm so grateful. You've definitely made me feel a bit more confident. Reckon I'm ready to give this a whirl now.

Azz