How to Retrieve Data From My Old Hard Drive

Hard drives come in two technologies: SATA and PATA.

The hard disk drive of a computer stores the files necessary to run the operating system and any installed software. The hard drive also stores personal files, such as documents, pictures, videos and other media. Upgrading to a new system will leave you with a new hard drive free of any personal files. To retrieve data from your old hard disk, insert the disk into your new machine and transfer the contents of the previous disk to the new drive.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

1. Turn off the computer. Remove any cables connected to the I/O (Input/Output) panel on the back of the computer.

2. Press the power button to drain the computer of any residual charge. Loosen the screws securing the cover to the case.

3. Slide the cover away from the case. Locate the hard drive, seated near the front of the computer. Trace the data cable connected to the rear of the drive to the SATA slot located on the motherboard.

4. 

   SATA cable.

   Connect a data cable to an available port. Take note of the number assigned to the port. Connect the other end of the data cable to the old hard drive.

5. 

   PSU (Power Supply Unit).

   Locate an available power cable connected to the power supply. Connect the other end of the cable to the appropriate slot on the rear of the old hard disk.

6. Insert the hard drive into an available bay. Screw the disk into place. Reconnect the power cable to the power jack.

7. Reconnect any remaining cables to the I/O panel. Turn on the computer. Tap "F2" or "Esc" to access the BIOS.

8. Use the directional pad to navigate through the BIOS setup screen. Locate the SATA controllers. Confirm the appropriate controller is enabled--i.e., if you plugged the old hard drive into the "SATA2" port, confirm the BIOS lists "SATA2" as enabled.

9. Save your changes and exit from the BIOS. Boot to the operating system.

10. Click "Start." Click "Computer." Double-click the drive letter assigned to your old hard drive.

11. Transfer the contents of the drive to your primary disk, to a portable device or to a CD or DVD.

Tips & Warnings

• This article provides steps on how to install a SATA HDD. Older disks may be IDE/PATA/ATA. IDE HDDs require a 40-pin ribbon cable and a four-pin molex adapter to connect to the motherboard. The motherboard must have an IDE interface to install the hard disk.

• You can clone the entire contents of your old hard drive to another partition on your new disk, so long as you have enough storage space available on the new drive.

• The key to access BIOS setup, as well as the setup screen itself, can vary from computer to computer.

• Do not copy over or move system or application files, as this could cause computer instability. Only transfer personal files.

References

• Seagate: How to Install and Troubleshoot Serial ATA (SATA) Hard Drives

Resources

• Help With PCs: Install Hard Drive--A Guide to Installing a Hard Drive (IDE)