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[maki2]

Sometimes now and again over the years when changing to a new computer, but wanting to have a way to keep on using the old files I would would physically remove the hard drive (if it was not damaged) from the old computer and buy a special
case for it that turned it into an external drive I could plug into the USB port on my new computer to access those files.

You have another alternative. Take it to a repair shop and pay for them to transfer the files from your old hard drive onto a thumb drive. There are some thumb drives now that have pretty huge storage capacity. That way you can just plug it into any computer and access all the files such as those photos. Computers do not last forever but if the hard drive itself is not damaged it is not too difficult to get to the files on it. But there will be some financial outlay involved to hire help or purchase a case to turn the old internal drive into an external drive.

 

[user 22017]

Sometimes now and again over the years when changing to a new computer, but wanting to have a way to keep on using the old files I would would physically remove the hard drive (if it was not damaged) from the old computer and buy a special
case for it that turned it into an external drive I could plug into the USB port on my new computer to access those files.

You have another alternative. Take it to a repair shop and pay for them to transfer the files from your old hard drive onto a thumb drive. There are some thumb drives now that have pretty huge storage capacity. That way you can just plug it into any computer and access all the files such as those photos. Computers do not last forever but if the hard drive itself is not damaged it is not too difficult to get to the files on it. But there will be some financial outlay involved to hire help or purchase a case to turn the old internal drive into an external drive.

That's a great idea. I know I was told to do that back when my first PC died (from a virus ). It was 2006, about. That PC has six years of images of my kids. I've been using AVG ever since and no more issues with viruses or (malicious) malware.

No mention of building a case, tho. Just to connect the dead PC to a good PC to access the files. I was so broke and overwhelmed with raising five kids alone... I gave up.

I have an external hard drive ... but these PC's don't boot up. I should use a repair shop but they charge a fortune here. That's why I ordered the power supply off eBay... the local shop wanted over $80 for one. It was $8.00 on eBay.

The reason why I wanted to use a data recovery place is their prices have come way down. I checked prices in 2006 and most were over $3000... now they are closer to $300.

 

[maki2]

That's a great idea. I know I was told to do that back when my first PC died (from a virus ). It was 2006, about. That PC has six years of images of my kids. I've been using AVG ever since and no more issues with viruses or (malicious) malware.

No mention of building a case, tho. Just to connect the dead PC to a good PC to access the files. I was so broke and overwhelmed with raising five kids alone... I gave up.

I have an external hard drive ... but these PC's don't boot up. I should use a repair shop but they charge a fortune here. That's why I ordered the power supply off eBay... the local shop wanted over $80 for one. It was $8.00 on eBay.

The reason why I wanted to use a data recovery place is their prices have come way down. I checked prices in 2006 and most were over $3000... now they are closer to $300.

It is picture time, you can buy a case or get a docking station. Take out your old hard drive and put it into a device.
Two types in these photos, one is a case you insert the old hard drive into, the other style is called a docking station.

 

[maki2]

^^^^of course if the reason your old computer quit running was that the hard drive was damaged then there is no way practical way for you to retrieve the files that were on it.

If the hard drives is still good then plugging the USB cable from a case or docking station into your new computer should let you be able to access the files on that hard drive. I suggest you watch some videos on doing this tasks so you better understand how it all works. On the scale of 0 to 5 for technical effort it is about a 0.25. For mechanical effort it is a less than that, mostly just removing some screws.

 

[Malamute]

^^^^of course if the reason your old computer quit running was that the hard drive was damaged then there is no way practical way for you to retrieve the files that were on it.

If the hard drives is still good then plugging the USB cable from a case or docking station into your new computer should let you be able to access the files on that hard drive. I suggest you watch some videos on doing this tasks so you better understand how it all works. On the scale of 1 to 5 for technical effort it is about a 0.25. For mechanical effort it is a less than that, mostly just removing some screws.

I took a basic computer class in the early 90s, the first thing the instructor did was take a computer body apart just to show how mechanically simple they were inside and remove much of the mystery and sense of overwhelming complexity that most people had.

A friend used to build me computers from his leftover old parts, he was always building the latest level stuff. When I needed one he just grabbed parts, stuck them in the chassis, hooked them up, put the cover back on,...computer.

 

[user 22017]

^^^^of course if the reason your old computer quit running was that the hard drive was damaged then there is no way practical way for you to retrieve the files that were on it.

If the hard drives is still good then plugging the USB cable from a case or docking station into your new computer should let you be able to access the files on that hard drive. I suggest you watch some videos on doing this tasks so you better understand how it all works. On the scale of 0 to 5 for technical effort it is about a 0.25. For mechanical effort it is a less than that, mostly just removing some screws.

Thanks so much Maki. I'll probably buy the case (rather than docking station). I assume this will work with a laptop. Dumb question, but I have little experience with laptops. Been using PC's almost exclusively for 25 years. Now I gotta dig my dead PC's out of my storage rental unit.

Thanks again! Never thought of this.

 

[maki2]

Thanks so much Maki. I'll probably buy the case (rather than docking station). I assume this will work with a laptop. Dumb question, but I have little experience with laptops. Been using PC's almost exclusively for 25 years. Now I gotta dig my dead PC's out of my storage rental unit.

Thanks again! Never thought of this.

OK Carla, Now that you think a case looks good to you there is a little bit more for you to know. There are two types of hard drives you could possibly have the earlier ones were called “IDE” but in 2003 a second type came into use it is called “SATA”. The case you buy has to fit the style of hard drive you need to put into it. So do not purchase a case until after you remove the hard drive from your old PC and look at it. It should say SATA on the label of the hard drive if it is that style but you can also save this photo to look at if you are unsure. The wiring coming out of the base is is enough that you will be able to tell which is which by referring to this photo. So no panic, you will be able to tell which style of case to buy.

 

[maki2]

Thanks so much Maki. I'll probably buy the case (rather than docking station). I assume this will work with a laptop. Dumb question, but I have little experience with laptops. Been using PC's almost exclusively for 25 years. Now I gotta dig my dead PC's out of my storage rental unit.

Thanks again! Never thought of this.

OK Carla, Now that you think a case looks good to you there is a little bit more for you to know. There are two types of hard drives you could possibly have the earlier ones were called “IDE” but in 2003 a second type came into use it is called “SATA”. The case you buy has to fit the style of hard drive you need to put into it. So do not purchase a case until after you remove the hard drive from your old PC and look at it. It should say SATA on the label of the hard drive if it is that style but you can also save this photo to look at if you are unsure. The wiring coming out of the base is is enough that you will be able to tell which is which by referring to this photo. So no panic, you will be able to tell which style of case to buy.
View attachment 35002

 

[user 22017]

OK Carla, Now that you think a case looks good to you there is a little bit more for you to know. There are two types of hard drives you could possibly have the earlier ones were called “IDE” but in 2003 a second type came into use it is called “SATA”. The case you buy has to fit the style of hard drive you need to put into it. So do not purchase a case until after you remove the hard drive from your old PC and look at it. It should say SATA on the label of the hard drive if it is that style but you can also save this photo to look at if you are unsure. The wiring coming out of the base is is enough that you will be able to tell which is which by referring to this photo. So no panic, you will be able to tell which style of case to buy.
View attachment 35002

I think the HP is an IDE, because that PC replaced a brand new one I bought in 1999 (my first pc). Best Buy was so fed up with repairing my PC (it was their black box PC... can't recall the name) they replaced it with a HP.

So I got it in 2000. At any rate, I'll go to storage soon and dig for both dead PC's.

Thank you soooo much!!

 

[maki2]

I forgot to mention, even cheaper than using a case you can buy just a cable that has a SATA AND/OR an IDE connector to the fits into the old hard drive on one end. The other end hasUSB 3 plug on the other end you attach to your new computer plus it has a very small 110volt power inverter supply plug. Those cables are priced starting at about $20.

As you possibly have both types of older hard drives the cable that includes both IDE and SATA connectors will definetly be the most cost affordable way to go. They do sell them on Amazon.

 

[user 22017]

Thanks so much, Maki!

 

[NctryBen]

So if you just buy the cables Carla you just need spam cans to put the hard drives in! Haha!
Thanks Maki for the info. My 2012 computer lost use of screen a couple years ago. Debating what to do!!

 

[maki2]

So if you just buy the cables Carla you just need spam cans to put the hard drives in! Haha!
Thanks Maki for the info. My 2012 computer lost use of screen a couple years ago. Debating what to do!!

When I had an older computer the screen died on I bought a replacement screen off of an eBay seller. At the time it was one of the very few smaller sized laptops being sold. I got it for travel.

 

[maki2]

Which reminds me I keep forgetting to order replacement hinges for an older computer. It is in good shape except a broken hinge. They are used of course rather than new stock. So $9.99 plus shipping to get the part to fix it. I will put ordering it on my to do list today when I go to town and can park close by the cell tower.

 

[NctryBen]

I joke around a bit… but the creativity I see out here amazes me. I very much enjoy and respect every one I see… well, there was this Martian…

 

[maki2]

I joke around a bit… but the creativity I see out here amazes me. I very much enjoy and respect every one I see… well, there was this Martian…

That Martian certainly creates a great many fictional stories …that no one wants to listen to.

 

[user 22017]

Which reminds me I keep forgetting to order replacement hinges for an older computer. It is in good shape except a broken hinge. They are used of course rather than new stock. So $9.99 plus shipping to get the part to fix it. I will put ordering it on my to do list today when I go to town and can park close by the cell tower.

I bought a laptop just b4 Christmas off a university student for $100, because the hinge is broken. But this laptop had been dropped I think. I kinda doubt the hinge can even be replaced. What do you think?

 

[user 22017]

MSI GE72 2QD Apache Pro

Model No. MS-1792

17 + inch laptop

 

[Frood]

I bought a laptop just b4 Christmas off a university student for $100, because the hinge is broken. But this laptop had been dropped I think. I kinda doubt the hinge can even be replaced. What do you think?

Lol. I have almost the exact same laptop.

Generally I have found working on laptops to be a PITA unless you are familiar with them and like working on things with tight tolerances and tiny components.

Unless the hinge is a major issue or there are function issues with the laptop... in which case have at it!

 

[Happy Camper]

You can always use a laptop as a desktop replacement.