How to Transfer Data From a Hard Disk to My PC
If you buy a new computer, you need a way to transfer the important files from your old computer to your new one. If you have a salvaged hard disk from a crashed computer, you may need to recover the files and transfer them to another PC. Transferring files from a hard drive to a computer is not difficult, but it is important to have the right tools on hand before you begin.
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Instructions
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Remove the hard disk containing the files you wish to transfer from the PC in which it is installed. Remove the computer cover by pulling the case-release lever located on the top or the side of the PC, then remove the retaining screws from the drive and disconnect the IDE and power cables.
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2
Purchase a USB drive enclosure from your local electronics store or an online retailer. These drive enclosures are very inexpensive and instantly transform your internal hard drive to an external drive you can use for storage or backup purposes.
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Connect the hard drive cable on the USB drive enclosure to the back of the hard drive, then hook the power cable on the drive enclosure to the power connection on the hard drive. Then connect the USB cable on the drive enclosure to a free USB port on your computer. Turn on the power switch and allow your computer to recognize the new drive.
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4
Right-click on "My Computer" and choose "Explore" from the menu. Locate the drive letter that corresponds to your USB drive, right-click and choose "Explore" from the menu. Highlight the files you want to copy, right-click and choose "Copy".
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Highlight the main hard drive on your computer, right-click and choose "Explore" from the menu. Locate the folder to which you want to copy the files, right-click and choose "Paste" from the menu. Wait for your files to copy to their new location.
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