How to Backup Data From a Broken Computer to Another

If you have been using a PC for any length of time, it has happened to you or has happened to someone you know. All of your precious pictures, videos, music and files that are important to you are on a PC that will not start. There are companies that specialize in getting data from a hard drive but they are very expensive. If your PC is not working and you have access to another PC of a friends PC you may be able to retrieve your files from the HD without having to pay hundreds or thousand of dollars.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Another PC
• A USB harddrive enclosure

1. If you have a USB hard drive enclosure OR know someone that has one, you will not have to open the working PC (OPTION #1). If you are on a budget and don't want to spend the $20.00 - $40.00 for a USB hard drive enclosure then (OPTION #2) will be something to try.
2. OPTION #1 ( NO USB HARD DRIVE ENCLOSURE ) - Disconnect all power sources from the OLD PC and open the case. (Some PC's use screws some use latches). *** SEE WARNINGS BELOW *** about grounding yourself before proceeding.
3. After grounding yourself (See Warnings Below) Very carefully remove the power cable from the OLD hard drive.
4. Very Carefully remove the data cable from the hard drive.
5. Remove the hard drive by removing the screws that secure it to the frame.(Some hard drives are mounted into small frames that are attached to the main PC frame).
6. following the hard drive enclosure instructions, mount the hard drive from the OLD PC into the enclosure.
7. Once the Hard drive is properly mounted and grounded to the enclosure, follow the instructions for the hard drive enclosure to power it up and attach to working PC.
8. When the old hard drive in the hard drive enclosure is powered up, the contents and file structure should be viewable just like a memory stick or another hard drive.

Tips & Warnings

• A USB hard drive enclosure can be purchased from many place for generally between $20.00 - $40.00. A better option is to ask any techie friends if you can borrow one they are not using.
• If the drive is not viewable, you may have to go into: Control Panel >> Administrative Tools >> Computer Management and look for the drive management tool to change the drive label.
• If the drive is not viewable from the above step, check to make sure the hard drive is actually spinning
• Static electricity can harm a hard drive so it is very important to discharge any static electricity before touching any internal components inside a PC. You can effectively discharge any static electricity by grabbing the metal frame of any device that is still connected to a power source that is properly grounded. You can also purchase a grounding strap from many PC part suppliers.