how do i access files from a laptop hard drive that i have converted into an external hard drive?
My PC laptop died last month (the motherboard burned out), but my hard drive is still intact. I have put it into an empty external hard drive case so that I can connect my hard drive to another computer. However, I am unable to access my files that were in the My Music and My Photos folders (my dead laptop had Windows XP). I tried it on my friend's laptop, which is also a PC laptop that runs Windows XP, but haven't been successful. I am soon getting the new Apple MacBook and am hoping that I might be able to access my files with it. What should I do?
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Posted in: External Hard Drive Enclosures
4 Responses
Kanuk Komputers - March 1, 2010
How are you trying to access the files? Try using Windows Explorer (Start – All Programs – Accessories – Windows Explorer) to access them on the old hard drive. If you can get in this way copy the files over to another computer. If you have password protection on your old account it may be more difficult to get in to them.
fathead - March 1, 2010
This might work for you. It’s from the Microsoft article listed below.
To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
1. Start Windows in Safe mode. To do so, follow these steps:
a. Restart the computer, and then press F8 while the computer starts.
b. On the Windows Advanced Options Menu, use the ARROW keys to select Safe Mode with Networking, and then press ENTER.
c. Use the ARROW keys to select what operating system to start, and then press ENTER to start Windows XP in Safe mode.
2. Log on as a user with administrative credentials.
3. Locate a folder that you want to open, right-click it, and then click Properties.
4. In the Properties dialog box, click the Security tab, and then click Add.
5. Under Enter the object names to select, type your user name, and then click OK.
This step adds your SID number to the permission settings for this folder.
6. Under Permissions for the user name that you added in step 5, click to select the Allow Full Control check box.
7. Repeat steps 3 through 6 for each folder that you want to open.
8. When you have added your user name to all the folders that you want to open, restart your computer as usual.
Leemo - March 1, 2010
When you connect the external drive to a computer has windows recognized it? You should see a few balloons pop-up by the system tray. If so, double click on my computer and your drive should show up. Depending upon your computer configuration it will be at least the E drive but it could be F,G,H etc. . . Double click on it and dig thru until you find the folders you are looking for.
If you are not seeing those pop-ups then you obviously have other issues. Is the hard drive properly installed in the enclosure? Does the enclosure need external power? (probably not for a 2. 5″ drive) Does the cord for the enclosure have 2 usb ends (a “y” shaped cord) if so both will need to be plugged in.
Does the external enclosure have directions, if not try the mfr’s website. I have had problems getting certain machines to properly recognize an external 2. 5″ non-powered drive. I think it is caused by a lack of power to the drive.
Hope this helps.
frankdeniro - March 1, 2010
I think I’ve read this somewhere, maybe on this website