How to Connect a Laptop Drive on a Desktop
When laptop components fail, it is not always the hard drive that is the culprit. A laptop hard drive can be removed from the laptop and attached to a regular desktop computer in order to test it or retrieve valuable data. One method is to buy an adapter that allows you to connect the drive internally to the desktop. A simpler approach is to use a USB hard drive adapter that does not require opening up the desktop computer.
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Instructions
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Remove the hard drive from the laptop. Every laptop is different, so consult the manual or do an online search for specific instructions. This process usually involves removing a bottom plate from the laptop by unscrewing the set of screws that holds it on. Some may be accessed from the side of the notebook. The hard drive is a flat, rectangular piece of hardware that is approximately 2.5 inches across.
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Insert the hard drive into the USB hard drive enclosure. The pins on the end of the drive should make a firm contact to the corresponding connector in the enclosure. If the drive does not seem to connect, there may be a small plastic adapter over the pins on the drive. Remove this adapter by pulling it straight out, then fit the drive into the enclosure.
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Insert one end of the USB cable into the enclosure and the other end into an open USB port on the desktop. The desktop should automatically recognize the new drive.
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Access data on the drive by opening the "Start" menu and clicking on "My Computer." Look for the new drive, double-click the icon and you will be able to access it like any other storage device.
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Tips & Warnings
Before removing the hard drive, disconnect the laptop from the power supply and remove the battery.
