RECOVERY OF FILES AND PHOTOS FROM HARD DISK

[PURPLICIOUS]

Several weeks back when I went to use my laptop upon turning it on there was a "hard disk error" with instructions to run the HARD DISK TEST for the hard disk 1 (3F1) code. I did the F2 which did not work.  I removed the hard drive then put it back in and when I turned it back on now the message changed to "BOOT DEVICE NOT FOUND", with instructions to install an operating system indicating hard disk (3F0).  when I pressed F2 now says "HARD DISK TEST" failed and "BOOT DEVICE NOT FOUND" (3F0).

I have been researching all week to determine how to save my files and photos.  I have a few challenges because the battery is low and needs to be replaced, the cd/dvd rw drive does not work, and of course the hard disk.  From my research it appears my data is still on the hard disk I just need to identify the safest way to pull the data off the hard disk.  Here are the options I have identified:

1) I could get get the laptop to boot up I could transfer data from my old laptop to my newer one.  So I purchased an adapter when there was the 3F1 code.

2) I could just remove the hard disk from my old laptop, purchase an external hard drive and use the adapter to transfer my data to the newer laptop. 

3) I need help in determining the safest way to not LOSE my data and family photos.) I could some how get my data to OneDrive.

So here are my challenges:

1) I want a new hard disk for the old laptop, a replacement of the cd/dvd re drive, and a replacement battery.  I have been looking but can't determine which product is the right fit.  I don't want to order replacement parts and they are the wrong parts.  There are so many variables to know which part to purchase (for example: sata vs peta, 2.5 " vs 3.5". then there's manufacturer)

2)Not losing all of my files and photos and get them in the OneDrive.

Any help would be much appreciated.

[WAWood]

@PURPLICIOUS 

The safest way is option 2) because that only READS your drive and with that, you run no risk of destroying the original files and folders.

Your best bet for recovering data now is to do the following:
1) Remove the hard drive from the old PC
2) Purchase a USB-to-Hard Driver adapter kit (like the one illustrated below)

3) Connect the old drive to a working PC using that adapter
4) Try to retrieve the files and folders you want to save from the old drive and copy them to the new PC.

If this does not work, then you need to do the following:
1) Download and install this utility on a working PC http://www.majorgeeks.com/news/story/recover_data_in_3_steps_with_minitool_power_data_recovery_free_...
2) Run the data recovery utility to see what can be retrieved from the old drive.

If that tool does not find what you need, an alternative is Recuva http://www.piriform.com/recuva

And, if that does not work well, the best tool out there is this one, but only the trial version is free http://www.file-recovery.com/

[PURPLICIOUS]

Thanks for your reply.  I have successfully removed the hard disk but don't have another disk.  As an amateur I don't know what disk to purchase.  Can you send me a picture so I can proceed.  Thanks

[WAWood]

@PURPLICIOUS 

You said you had the disk.  These are generally 2.5 inch SATA laptop drives.  The capacity of your drive will be printed on it.

Since HP Recover Media wants a disk of that size or larger, then purchase the same capacity drive as a replacement.