How to Backup Data from a Broken Computer to a New One

It happens to everybody: Your computer's motherboard dies, the power supply is beyond salvage or the whole thing is an outdated wreck. Still, there is data on your hard drive that you don't want to lose.
Transferring data from your old computer to your new one is a simple matter of networking, as long as both computers are functional. When your old computer is broken, however, it is time to take a different approach.

There is a handy device available which will allow you to attach the hard drive of your old computer as a peripheral to your new one. This change can be temporary (while you transfer the data), or permanent.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• External drive enclosure kit with compatible cable connection (USB)
• Hard drive from the broken computer
• Computer in good working order

1. 

   When your old computer is unplugged and all of the peripheral items (keyboard, mouse, etc.) have been detached, you are ready to remove the hard drive from the broken computer. Refer to your computer handbook to learn how to open the computer case. Some older models are held together by screws, while some newer models have latches that you push to open for access to the internal systems.

2. 

   With the systems exposed, a surge of static electricity can pose a danger to the data you are trying so hard to save. Be sure to demagnetize yourself by touching something metal before you start to prowl around inside your computer. Any time you step away from this task, you will want to repeat this precaution before returning to work.

3. 

   Locate the hard drive. It should be located at the front of the computer, in a slot near the CD drive. In older computers it may be attached by screws. The hard drive in the picture provided is held in place by a green plastic frame. All hard drives also have a power supply wire and a data wire connected to it.

4. 

   Disconnect the power supply wire and the data wire by gently pulling them away from the hard drive. Now remove the hard drive by unscrewing the screws or depressing the bracket snaps and sliding it out.

5. Insert the hard drive into the external hard drive enclosure. Plug the data cord (USB) into an available USB port on the working computer. Plug in and turn on the enclosure.

6. The computer should automatically recognize the external drive and assign it a letter (D:, E:, F:, etc). Now you should be able to access the data on the old hard drive.

Tips & Warnings

• All external hard drive enclosure kits are not created equal. Be sure to choose a kit which will support the size of your old hard drive (512 MB, 720 MB, 1 GB, 3 GB, etc.).

[jayes]

on 11/5/2009 But what do you do if the new PC does not recognize the newly created external hard drive?
HELP PLEASE-ANYONE!!!
THANKS
JAYES

[IcyCucky]

on 5/1/2009 I have "favorite" this article for later use! Very informative!