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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> How to access an old hard drive
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10/25/2015 08:00:34 PM · #1
I long while back I took the hard drive out of a computer that I disposed of and just stumbled upon it today. Before I toss it out, is there a way to retrieve the information off of it? Of course I'm curious to see if there are any old pics on it. :)
10/25/2015 08:26:20 PM · #2
Simple answer: Yes, the information can be retrieved.

Unfortunately, I doubt you're set up to do that at home. You'll need the correct cabling to either install internally or plug in externally. Externally would be the easiest option. I have an external harddrive case that I can just slap any 'ol harddrive in on a whim, but that's not something most people have. I know they make cables specifically for this (like so), but you probably don't want to spend the money to buy that contraption. You could always take it to a local computer shop and have them do it.

Sorry to be a little vague, I know just enough, but never enough! I'm certain someone else will chime in that will help you complete your journey to data recovery. If not, I'd still recommend talking to a local computer repair place that you trust. They do it all the time when they repair computers, and would likely do it cheaper and quicker than a big-box store.

10/25/2015 08:43:44 PM · #3
Yep, a SATA-to-USB adapter cable is probably the easiest choice. About $20. Whether or not you decide to go data fishing, before you dispose of the drive, I recommend mechanically disabling it. What I usually do is drive a nail into the drive through the cover, making sure to bend the platter. That ensures that nobody goes data fishing on the drive.
10/25/2015 08:56:59 PM · #4
Originally posted by kirbic:

Yep, a SATA-to-USB adapter cable is probably the easiest choice.


Well, she did say a long while ago. It's possible it could be an older ATA connection but most connection kits come with both.
10/25/2015 09:02:00 PM · #5
So the hard-drive was in an old HP. Can I retrieve the data with my Mac or should I use my Window's machine? (I have both) Can you tell me a little bit about how these adapter's work? Do I need an external hard drive case as well? I'm not computer savvy at all. Thanks so much.
10/25/2015 09:03:29 PM · #6
It was in an HP Pavillion a620n Desktop- probably from early 2000. I'm guessing from 12-15 years old.

Message edited by author 2015-10-25 21:04:09.
10/25/2015 09:23:08 PM · #7
Originally posted by pearlseyes:

It was in an HP Pavillion a620n Desktop- probably from early 2000. I'm guessing from 12-15 years old.


Hmmm. It's possible that the drive isn't even a SATA drive. The Mac *should* understand the file system, it's just a matter of what hardware adapter you need. Compare your drive to the following:
10/25/2015 11:44:27 PM · #8
It appears to be an IDE.
10/26/2015 12:41:16 AM · #9
Originally posted by pearlseyes:

It appears to be an IDE.
Yep, from that timeframe that makes sense. So now you know what type of adapter you would need. The age does raise the question, though, of just what would be there as far as pics anyhow. Unless you were on the bleeding edge back then, you were probably shooting with something in the 2 to 3 megapixel range. I know that I was shooting with a Nikon Coolpix 990 (3.2 Mpx), and when I look at those pics today, I am reminded how far we really have come!
10/26/2015 05:42:18 AM · #10
//www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Converter-Activity-Support-EC-AHDD/dp/B00CPGYNV4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1445852459&sr=8-3&keywords=Sata+IDE+USB
10/26/2015 01:56:39 PM · #11
I purchased that exact one last night. HAHA
10/26/2015 02:18:46 PM · #12
Originally posted by pearlseyes:

I purchased that exact one last night. HAHA

Let us (especially me) know how it goes, as I have a similar (dead) HP machine I'd like to back up ...
10/26/2015 02:36:08 PM · #13
Originally posted by pearlseyes:

I purchased that exact one last night. HAHA


All the cables and connectors may seem confusing at first, but once everything is plugged in properly, it works nice.
10/27/2015 01:06:19 PM · #14
Hey, that's the one from the article I posted at the start of this thread. I would have thought they'd be way more expensive. Good to know! And yes, please let us know how it turns out. :D
10/29/2015 05:53:12 AM · #15
To prevent this issue in the future use cloud storages,
Virtual servers.

Regards,
virtual-server.net
10/31/2015 11:08:53 AM · #16
UPDATE:
After receiving my package from amazon I literally had access to my old drive within minutes and was uploading all my old photos to my online storage site. It was the most simple process.

Message edited by author 2015-11-01 00:29:41.
10/31/2015 11:37:19 AM · #17
Yay!
10/31/2015 11:43:32 AM · #18
Great news -- I think I'll order one!
10/31/2015 02:20:53 PM · #19
Originally posted by pearlseyes:

UPDATE:
After receiving my package from amazon I literally had access to my old drive within minutes and was uploading all my old photos to my online storage site. It was the most simple process. I honestly had no idea you could do this until I posted about it. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.


Victory! Great news. Hope you found a treasure trove :-)
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