PC is Dead - Data Recovery

[EdwarDean]

My computer died on me and I want to retrieve my data files. What do I need to achieve this? Thanks

[banhien · Accepted solution]

@EdwarDean

Do you think its HDD is ok ? If yes, the best option is to put HDD to an enclosure and connect to a different computer to recover files/data and use it as an external HDD. There are many USB 3.0 enclosures for 3.5" HDD's around, from around #10 each.

Regards.

[EdwarDean]

Thanks buddy. I have replied previously, but I don't see the posted message. I appreciate your comments.

[kflash08]

You can also purchase an IDE/SATA-to-USB converter, which would be cheaper than an enclosure and useful if you plan to just connect the drive once for temporary use. If you decide to reuse the drive on a regular basis for storage or backups, then go for the enclosure.

[EdwarDean]

Hi, I am having troule 

[EdwarDean]

I am trying to access the files on my old hard drive but when I connect it to my new PC I see a window open for a few seconds, then a 2nd and then a third window. The first window says System E and says folder empty, Second window shows OS (F) and third window shows Drive (G) HP Recovery. The windows close after a few seconds and then after a while they reappear and then close and just keeps doing the same thing. The connections I am using are on the pictures posted above. I first tried the orange cable, but I believe that is for HDD so I changed it to the red cable. My old HD is a Seagate Barracuda 7200.12, SATA 300. 

My new PC is a Lenovo. My old PC was an HP Pavilion. 

Any comments on how to make this work are appreciated. Thanks

[kflash08]

Make all your connections first, then try plugging the power cord into the wall.

Everything looks OK according to your pictures. Are you hearing the "drive disconnected" sound when the windows disappear? Is the hard drive spinning down & back up when the windows disappear? Issues such as these can indicate a faulty power supply.

I also advise that you place the drive on a hard non-conductive surface as soft material can cause overheating of the drive and damage due to static electricity.

[EdwarDean]

I followed your instructions and couldn't access the hard drive on Monday evening. The drive would appear and then disappear. This morning I was able to see the users on the drive and when I clicked on my user account it wouldn't allow me to access it. It said I had to access it via the "Security Tab". I am not sure how to do that. I am using Windows 10 on my home PC.

Any suggestions on how I can access the drive? I believe it has to do with the security setup for Windows 10. Thanks.