How to Backup Data From a Dead Computer to a New One

Your data does not have to die with your hard drive!

Try these steps to help the process of retrieving your precious documents, pictures and work! (This article assumes the hard drive is still accessible, in working condition).

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer (the dead one)
• A newer, functional computer that is working (to place the old computer's hard drive in)
• Media for saving the data (external hard drive, flash drive or CD's/DVD's
• Microsoft Windows
• Anti static wrist strap
• Screwdriver
• Workspace

How to Retrieve Data From a Computer That Won't Boot

1. 
   inside a computer - look at bays, location and cables

   While wearing an anti-static wrist strap,
   open the cover of the broken computer. Look for a shiny, square silver box. This is the hard drive.

2. 
   Hard drive

   Remove the hard drive carefully from the old computer, careful not to damage further.

3. Open the new computer's case, locate its hard drive. Take note either in a photo or marking down on paper how it is hooked up and which cables/jumpers are used.

4. Then, remove the hard drive (with a screwdriver) from the new computer and set aside. (Usually 4-6 screws). Leave the cables in place so it will be quick and easy to plug in the new hard drive.

5. Put the hard drive from the broken computer in the slot (in the new computer) where the hard drive was and plug in the cables as they were previously.
   
   If it will not fit, you do not have to put it in the bay (slot). Just make sure it is hooked up enough and set it down inside the computer. You are only getting information from it so it does not have to fit snugly.

6. Boot up the newer computer by pushing the button on the tower.
   If it does not boot, recheck the cables. Then, push F8 immediately (keyboard may beep) and try to boot in the computer safe mode.
   
   You may be able to save many files by doing this, though the display will look distorted.
   
   If you try this a few times, and it still won't boot, perhaps the hard drive could be damaged. If this is the case, take your hard drive to a computer store for further help in retrieving data.

7. If the computer boots with Windows XP (or other operating system), immediately locate the files you want to save. Have your media handy such as flash drive, CD's/DVD's, external hard drive. Hook up as needed.

8. Drag and drop files from the hard drive on to the media until all the folders, files, photos and videos have been backed up.
   Check the media (in my computer by clicking on it) to make sure it transferred your information properly.

9. When the files are backed up and you have verified this, remove the hard drive.

10. Replace the hard drive once again with the new computer hard drive. Keep the old one around in case there is something you missed or for computer parts.

11. Make sure your new computer boots up properly after reconnecting the hard drive. If so, you are done. If not, again, recheck the cables and connections so that everything is seated properly.

12. You can now start transferring the data back onto your machine by dragging it into the desired folders once you insert the media (CD or drive). You will have to reinstall any software programs that come with CD's (such as Microsoft Office).

13. After satisfactorily transferring the files, you are finished. Continue to back up new and essential files as needed to your media. Good luck!

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have a spare computer, consider using an older one from a thrift store or school. Or, ask a friend or colleague to borrow an old one. You can also purchase a used one for low cost.
• Avoid static areas when working on computer.
• Always use an anti-static wrist strap.
• Never open the case on a computer still under warranty.
• Allow at least a day to do this if you are not familiar with computers.

[MidniteWriter]

on 3/8/2009 Comments welcome!Please email me first if you'd like a link to one of your articles, and I will put your article in my resources section. Thank you!

[Walkaboutangel]

on 3/5/2009 thanks tons... Angel

[MidniteWriter]

on 12/7/2007 I haven't had that problem as of yet but people certainly could. Thanks for the warning!

[Compclinic]

on 11/30/2007 Great article! The problem I come across, especially with hard drives that have Win XP on them is that the old drive will not boot if the chipset on the new computer is different from the old computer. I usually add the old drive as a slave on the new computer and boot from the new computer's drive. Then I can copy files from the old drive.