How to Get Files Off of a Computer That Won't Turn On

Files are stored on the computer's hard drive. This data is stored onto magnetic devices. The arm of the hard drive will not work to gather information without power. There is no exception to this rule. Regardless of the hard drive type---USB, flash or other---there must be power to retrieve the information. To access the files on a computer that won't start, you will have to get the computer running or move the hard drive.

Things You'll Need

• Possible tools to open computer and retrieve drive

Instructions

1. Remove all cables from the computer.

2. Open the computer case and remove the hard drive per the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Install the hard drive into another computer as either the primary drive, a master, or as a secondary drive, the slave. The process of installing the drive is not much different from removing it, regardless of the computer. However, hard drive configurations can differ. Review the documentation that came with the hard drive or computer to see what the settings are for the hard drive. If the hard drive is being installed as a slave drive, you must change the jumper settings.

4. Boot the computer that the hard drive was installed into and retrieve the files.

Tips & Warnings

• It may be easier to take the computer to a technician and have him perform the needed procedures to retrieve the data.