When the computer shuts down due to a software failure rather than the hardware, the files on the hard disk are still intact. However, it is quite difficult to access it. To recover data from the hard drive of a Windows, Mac, or Linux laptop, follow the methods below.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Converting Old Hard Drive Into External Flash Drive (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Step 1. Get the hard drive enclosure
This device in the form of a casing is an external system that can be filled with a hard drive so that it can be run on another computer via a USB port. In essence, this enclosure will turn the laptop's hard drive into an external flash drive. Different computers, different types of hard drives, so make sure you check the specifications of the dead laptop before buying. For example, if your laptop has a 2.5 SATA drive, you will need a 2.5 SATA enclosure.
It should be noted that enclosures are not easy to find in major stores and are usually sold on the internet
Tip:
Unless you have a SATA drive, be sure to only purchase a laptop-sized disc enclosure.
Only SATA-ready enclosures can be used for laptop and desktop hard drives.
Step 2. Borrow a healthy computer that is compatible with your old laptop
If your old computer was Windows, use another Windows. If your laptop is a Mac, borrow another Mac. Make sure the healthy computer has enough space to store the files you want to recover from the dead laptop. Alternatively, you can connect a second external hard drive to a healthy computer and use it as an intermediary system for transferring files.
Linux computers will be able to read files from Windows (but not vice versa). However, if you do not understand the two systems, we recommend using a computer with the same OS
Step 3. Mac users can insert a Windows hard drive into their computer and be able to read (not edit) the content on their hard drive if a separate drive is not installed, such as NTFS-3G or Paragon NTFS
However, be careful and only use Disk Utility during the process to “mount” the hard drive.
Other actions performed in Disk Utility may erase the contents on it.
Step 4. Remove the hard drive from the dead laptop
Turn off the laptop, unplug the power cord, and remove the battery. Turn the laptop over and you'll see various sections on the laptop's base that you can unscrew and remove separately. Try looking at your laptop model on the internet to check the exact location of the hard drive on your laptop, or just guess. Most laptop hard drives are similar in shape and size (similar to a 3.5-inch floppy). Unscrew the hard drive cover and remove the hard drive. Some models will jump up, while others will slide out.
Step 5. Remove the disc enclosure connector plate and insert it into the hard drive interface
Look for the connector pins on one end of the drive to see where the connection will be made.
If you have an IDE hard drive, be aware that there is a removable adapter on the interface. Simply pull the adapter so that the drive is securely attached to the enclosure connector plate
Step 6. Insert the hard drive into the enclosure
Screw firmly, if necessary. Refer to the enclosure manual for additional details.
Step 7. Connect the external hard drive to a healthy computer with a USB cable
Make sure the computer is on. Once connected, an icon will appear on the desktop (Mac) or a notification window will appear (Windows). The computer might also open the drive automatically.
- If Windows doesn't automatically notify the external drive unit, just open it manually by going to My Computer and search for your new drive.
- If the hard drive is not recognized at first, try removing and plugging it back in.
- If your hard drive is unreadable, it is very likely that your hard drive (and not computer software) is damaged. In this case, you will need professional help if you want to recover files. Please note, the cost will be very expensive.
Step 8. Browse and recover your old files
move it to a healthy computer or a second external hard drive by copying and pasting, clicking and dragging, etc. if you have a lot of files (such as song files and movies), the transfer time can take hours.
Step 9. When finished, close your hard drive window
The good news is that a physically disabled computer may still be intact and will work as normal if you reinstall the operating system.
Step 10. Right-click the USB icon and select eject
You can now remove the old hard drive.
Method 2 of 3: Plugging Old Hard Drive into Desktop Computer (Windows, Linux)
Step 1. Get a laptop hard drive adapter kit
This way, you can plug your laptop's hard drive directly into a compatible desktop computer. Different computers, different hard drive models. So, make sure you check the specifications of the dead laptop before buying. For example, if your laptop has a 2.5 SATA drive, you will need a 2.5 SATA adapter.
Step 2. Borrow a healthy computer that is compatible with your old laptop
If your old computer is Windows, use another Windows. If your laptop is a Mac, borrow another Mac. Make sure the healthy computer has enough space to store the files you want to recover from the dead laptop. Alternatively, you can connect a second external hard drive to a healthy computer and use it as an intermediary system for transferring files.
Linux computers will be able to read files from Windows (but not vice versa). However, if you do not understand the two systems, we recommend using a computer with the same OS
Step 3. Remove the hard drive from the dead laptop
Turn off the laptop, unplug the power cord, and remove the battery. Turn the laptop over and you'll see various sections on the laptop's base that you can unscrew and remove separately. Try looking at your laptop model on the internet to check the exact location of the hard drive on your laptop, or just guess. Most laptop hard drives are similar in shape and size (similar to a 3.5-inch floppy). Unscrew the hard drive cover and remove the hard drive. Some models will jump up, while others will slide out.
If you have an IDE hard drive, be aware that there is a removable adapter on the interface. Simply pull the adapter so that the interface can be accessed later
Step 4. Turn off the desktop computer, unplug the power cord, and open the tower
You will use an adapter device to plug the hard drive directly into the motherboard.
Step 5. Connect the dead drive to the healthy computer using your drive adapter
How to use it depends on your drive type and adapter, so use the instruction manual that came with the device.
If you have an IDE drive, change it to “slave” mode before connecting it to the IDE tape. This configuration must be done on the hard drive itself and is accomplished by moving the plastic cover over a specific pin or set of pins (aka “jumpers”) on the hard drive interface. Changing it to slave mode will keep the laptop's hard drive from competing with the master hard drive on the desktop while booting
Step 6. Set the desktop configuration to recognize the new hard drive
Plug your desktop back in, power it on, and open the BIOS. Go to Standard CMOS Settings or IDE Config, where you'll find four settings involving master and slave settings. Change all four settings to auto-detection.
Step 7. Exit BIOS and reboot
Your desktop will now detect the new hard drive automatically.
Step 8. Open a new hard drive
If you are using Windows, go to My Computer and find a new hard drive. With Linux, the new hard drive will appear in the directory dev.
If your hard drive is unreadable, it is very likely that your hard drive (and not computer software) is damaged. In this case, you will need professional help if you want to recover files. Please note, the cost will be very expensive
Step 9. Browse and recover your old files
Move it to a healthy computer or a second external hard drive by copying and pasting, clicking and dragging, etc. if you have a lot of files (such as song files and movies), the transfer time can take hours.
Step 10. Turn off and unplug the desktop power cord to remove the hard drive (if desired)
Since the physical hard drive may still be intact, it's very likely that a dead laptop will work normally if you reinstall the operating system.
Method 3 of 3: Accessing Old Files via Another Computer (Mac Only)
Step 1. Get a FireWire cable
Buy it at a computer store or borrow it from a friend.
Step 2. Borrow a healthy Mac computer
Make sure your Mac has enough space to accommodate the files you want to recover from a dead laptop. Alternatively, you can connect an external hard drive to a healthy Mac computer and use it as an intermediary system for transferring files.
Step 3. Connect the dead Mac to the healthy Mac using a FireWare cable
Make sure your Mac is healthy inside dead state when connected.
Step 4. When the Mac restarts, press the T key until the FireWare icon appears
This will put the computer in “Target Mode” (Target Mode) which means a healthy Mac will give you access to the target computer's master drive, in addition to its own hard drive.
If you are using OS X 10.4: Shut down the computer normally, go to System Preferences > Startup Disk > Target Mode. Then, reboot the computer to start Target Mode.
Step 5. Find and open the dead computer hard drive on your Mac desktop
If your hard drive is unreadable, it is very likely that your hard drive (and not computer software) is damaged. In this case, you will need professional help if you want to recover files. Please note, the cost will be very expensive.
Step 6. Recover your old files
Move to a healthy Mac or a second external hard drive by copying and pasting, clicking and dragging, etc. if you have a lot of files (such as song files and movies), the transfer time can take hours.
Step 7. When finished, close your hard drive window
The good news is that a physically disabled computer may still be intact and will work as normal if you reinstall the operating system.
Step 8. Right-click the hard drive you want to remove and select eject
Now you can disconnect the dead computer.
Tips
- If you suspect that your old laptop has been damaged by a virus, make sure that your old hard drive is scanned by antivirus software before moving it to a healthy computer.
- If you decide not to mount the old hard drive back into a dead laptop, feel free to use it as an external hard drive or a permanent desktop slave drive.
