An 10 year old video but still relevant with clear and complete instructions on transferring files from a hard drive on a dead computer to hard drive on a different computer.
Mr. Fixit, Thank you so much for creating this very easy to understand video. I am new to this and have been looking everywhere for a well delivered tutorial. Thanks for taking the time to explain this very clearly! Best wishes, Patrice Newry, Ireland
You just saved a ton of my files from years ago that I've desperately wanted but thought would be to difficult or expensive to recover. This is wonderful, thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. Hope you become a millionaire someday soon or at the very least that karma treats you well.
This is an excellent video. Very well done and easy to understand. I searched many videos today and I was very disappointed, I wish I had seen this one. I managed to figure it out on my own. My computer could not install the hard drive (44 pins) but I was able to put it on another computer. Now I need a video to show me how to see my files from an old Ibook 4 hard drive on a PC. It could be damaged as I believe I have the software to do it but can't.
thanks for posting this video. Had the right content that saved be money and most importantly the files/pics from those old dead laptops. thanks again.
Thanks MrFixit...great video! It was very informative, simple and to the point. You went step by step and made it look so easy. Great job...thanks again.
Wished I would have viewed this yesterday. It would have made it a little simpler. Just got a cheap $5 "imported" kit very similar to this (except no blinking activity light). Once I figured it out, it worked great. I recovered data from two drives that I thought were dead (an external USB and a laptop drive). It was very easy to do, highly recommend these kits.
Good info man, thanks. Darik's boot & nuke does a very good job at wiping out data, but so does a cutting torch. Melt them platters! No ID theft risk now, and besides, its fun! Just don't be breathing any of those fumes. They'll turn you into a zombie, or worse. And save the danger-strong magnets from the head pivot area. Lots of fun in those... Again great video.Looking forward to more!
Thanks mate. Looks simple enough. Gonna try it. just bought an adapter for 14 dollars. The tech for my old broken down PC asked 50 dollars just to look under the hood. All i want is the data so screw it..i'll do it your way :)
Thank you for the compliment, brianmboller. I am glad this video helped recover old files. Feel free to check our full line of DIY videos for various issue solving. -MrFixit
I finally figured it out: some undesired interference (now sorted out). Very detailed videos, for all to be able to perform the operations without specialized help.
"One Touch Backup" refers to the function provided by the software that comes with the adapter. Once installed, anytime you press the button, the adapter's backup software will initiate a backup of the files/folders selected by the user. It isn't required to use the adapter. The software provides compression during backup to save space on the connected HDD and the ability to restore those files later. The only thing that really differs is the price with/without the software -MrFixit
Wow! I could use this! My old laptop had blue screened but I know the hard drive is ok and has my stuff in it. Now I want to transfer all of it to my new laptop. Didn't think it be possible but now I see! I'll get me this cord! Thanks for video!
this tool with help me alot. i like how you very informative in your video. you take the time to show all the features of the tool and showed how each hard drive hooked to it. i have a old 44 pin laptop hard drive and your video showed me just what i needed your videos are a great service to alll of us. please keep up the great work. thank you Mr fix it
The 39-pin IDE HDD is actually a 40-pin IDE. When you look at the HDD's connector, look at the center of it. you'll notice there is 20 pins on top and 19 on the bottom. That's because pin# 20 is missing. This is used as a 'key' to ensure the cable is connected correctly. The 44-pin is for 2.5 inch IDE drives because their DATA and POWER connections are in one connector. The 40-pin is for the 3.5 inch drives since they have a separate DATA (40-pin) and POWER (4-pin) connectors. -MrFixit
@CityFlashLights The power supply comes with the adapter which also includes the adapter to convert the IDE 4-pin molex power connector to the SATA power connector as demonstrated. -MrFixit
@AmandaMeli Thank you. Using this process will work whether it's a PC to laptop or vise versa. The process was designed in the event you have a HDD from a dead computer, however, if you are transferring files from one computer to another, then you do have other options. You can use either a USB File transfer cable adapter or a 'NULL' Ethernet cable (a.k.a crossover ethernet) to interlink 2 computers together to transfer files. The USB File transfer is the simplest to use with minimum setup.
i have one of these adapters for an ide drive, windows xp states it found new hardware and that it is ready to use but i can't find any new hadware listed in my computet, is there something i need to do to see the drive?
@princesscupcaketatto Your welcome. You can find the External 3.5 inch USB Floopy drives at Computer stores or online with no assembly required. Early versions of eMachine had faulty Power Supply Units. Yes, as I've outlined in the video, everything in the video should come with the adapter, except the HDD. I'm here if you need me. Thanks for the compliment. I'm Glad the video helps. -MrFixit
@nowaas66 The adapter is called IDE/SATA to USB Adapter. It's compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0. Works with Win98 (with drivers) to Windows 7 OS. Many Computer stores sell them for around $20. They do vary from model to model. be sure to read the features and check the adapter works with 2.5 inch drives. What you see in the video is what most of these adapters are packaged with. Once connected the HDD will act as an external drive. -MrFixit
You're welcome, Johan Westfält. Glad everything worked out. I do have a video to covert the HDD to USB using an external Drive enclosure kit, if you're interested. -MrFixit
@KingpinX19 Yes, Antivirus programs monitor reads and writes to the HDD. You can also perform a manual scan of the HDD. Be sure the program is up to date. If you still have trouble with HDD errors, let me know. -MrFixit
@ESRepair I do have some friends who sometimes ask me computer questions I have to answer with, "I don't know." It might be nice to be able to add, "but there's this guy on CZcams who might be able to help."
The white connector is a 4-pin molex used to connect power to an IDE drive. The power supply comes with this adapter with the 4-pin power connector. it also comes with an adapter called a 4-pin to 15-pin SATA power connector. -MrFixit
No problem. I was referring specifically to NTFS for Mac OS. They can read a NTFS formated HDD as long as you have the OS and software mentioned in the video for Macs. They cannot write to NTFS HDDs.-MrFixit
Is there a way to load software (burnt on CD or placed on USB) on my broken Windows PC to transfer the files (so I don't need to pull my HDD out of the PC)? Thanks for responding!
my old laptop says "boot mgr is missing press crl alt delete to continue" - IF i remove the hard drive, can i use this process to transfer the files? will it work?
I have different problem, after I log in all I see is an empty desktop, mouse still works, alt + ctrl + delete brings up screen which has task manager button but when I click on it the screen goes back and task manager will not appear. Is this software or hardware problem and how to fix it. Thanks, by the way operating system is vista home premium 32 bit.
@ItsOttis Yes, as long as the HDD's partition(s) not corrupted, however, in the event the drive is corrupted, there are free recovery software online that can assist recovering data. -MrFixit
My laptop died on me a second time. The first time, I went to a repair shop and was told nothing was wrong with it. I replaced the power cord and it worked again for a few months, now for the 2nd time its dead again. I want to replace the HDD with a SSD but I don't know how to transfer my laptop everything(OS, files folders, whatever makes the laptop work). Please help?
@KNOXTA I'm not sure I understand what u r asking. The SATA drive I used is a 3.5 inch drive. The 2.5 inch versions are used in laptops. They look like the small HDD sitting on the left in the begining. Laptop chargers will fry any HDD due to the 19VDC output. Drives that are 2.5 inch can be powered from the USB buss but 2 my knowlege 2.5 inch SATA drives require a special USB adapter that can regulate the power to the drive. Its connections are different. -MrFixit
i need help. i bought the kit, hooked it up to several ide/sata hard drives. some don't come on at all. meaning i don't hear the sound that its starting up. one made a beeping sound. the other i heard start up, but nothing pops up on the computer, don't matter which one i hook it up to and searching didn't come up with anything either. i've windows vista so if i heard correct i don't need a special driver. what m i doing wrong?
This video helped me months ago.My desktop with a weeny 60 gb hd wouldn't boot up so I bought a laptop with 600 gb.I was able to bring over the files from my old hd to my laptop with the same cables you used.But Now I need more space and need an external hard drive.I wanted to use my old 60 gigs as an external but it's a piece of crap and was looking for a 1TB.
@ESRepair i proved that monitor on my windows 7 and it worked right on the other computer when i turn the computer and the monitor it stays in stand by mode it shows nothing on my windows me so the monitor is fine so what could be the problem
I have and old Dell Optiplex 745 with a 37gb hard drive running windows 7.I wanna change hard drives to a 500gb drive.after watching your video, I think I can do that now.but my question is.is it possible to run two hard drives on this computer?
Thank you, bigantdawg2k3. Yes, you can put all the folders you want to save into 1 folder. When finshed, right click the folder and choose Properties and note the size on disk. It will show the size of the folder. The new storage media must have the minimum free space to store the folder. Once the transfer is complete use a secure erase program to erase your files to prevent others from snooping your drive. -MrFixit
Dude, you the man!! You save me from loosing my old files! Thanks so much for the information!
An 10 year old video but still relevant with clear and complete instructions on transferring files from a hard drive on a dead computer to hard drive on a different computer.
Excellent video explanations and camera work. Thanks a lot.
Mr. Fixit, Thank you so much for creating this very easy to understand video. I am new to this and have been looking everywhere for a well delivered tutorial. Thanks for taking the time to explain this very clearly! Best wishes,
Patrice
Newry,
Ireland
You just saved a ton of my files from years ago that I've desperately wanted but thought would be to difficult or expensive to recover. This is wonderful, thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. Hope you become a millionaire someday soon or at the very least that karma treats you well.
Thank you very much for taking the time to explain to us who need all the help we can get.
This is an excellent video. Very well done and easy to understand. I searched many videos today and I was very disappointed, I wish I had seen this one. I managed to figure it out on my own. My computer could not install the hard drive (44 pins) but I was able to put it on another computer. Now I need a video to show me how to see my files from an old Ibook 4 hard drive on a PC. It could be damaged as I believe I have the software to do it but can't.
H
THANK YOU for taking the time to do this. I really appreciate it.
It finally worked! You're awesome!! Thanks to you I can watch old memories!
Finally!!! Someone shows How to copy the files to the new computer After they have been located...Thank You!!
Thank you. I thought I knew a lot about computers but learned something today. Thank You again
really nice step by step info. thanks
thanks for posting this video. Had the right content that saved be money and most importantly the files/pics from those old dead laptops. thanks again.
Thanks MrFixit...great video! It was very informative, simple and to the point. You went step by step and made it look so easy. Great job...thanks again.
This was great information. My power supply died and I need my files. This will help so much. Great job.
Barbara Harris or you could have bought a new one
Barbara Harris
You're welcome, Patrice. Thank you for the complement, It's greatly appreciated. -MrFixit
Nice deliberately paced video. Understood what he was telling me.
Congratulations, my grandmother could do this with your instructions. :-)
This was a life saving have this transfer file device and got stuck - your video got me thru. Well done!
Wished I would have viewed this yesterday. It would have made it a little simpler. Just got a cheap $5 "imported" kit very similar to this (except no blinking activity light). Once I figured it out, it worked great. I recovered data from two drives that I thought were dead (an external USB and a laptop drive). It was very easy to do, highly recommend these kits.
Thank you for the detail. Good job!
Nice video and easy to follow steps, it was uploaded 7 years ago but it was very useful for me using windows 10. Thank you.
Good info man, thanks.
Darik's boot & nuke does a very good job at wiping out data, but so does a cutting torch. Melt them platters! No ID theft risk now, and besides, its fun! Just don't be breathing any of those fumes. They'll turn you into a zombie, or worse. And save the danger-strong magnets from the head pivot area. Lots of fun in those... Again great video.Looking forward to more!
Thanks mate. Looks simple enough. Gonna try it. just bought an adapter for 14 dollars. The tech for my old broken down PC asked 50 dollars just to look under the hood. All i want is the data so screw it..i'll do it your way :)
Thanks so much for such a great instructional video. It was well done. Great Teacher you would make.
Thank you for the compliment, brianmboller. I am glad this video helped recover old files. Feel free to check our full line of DIY videos for various issue solving. -MrFixit
You are such a great teacher. I thank you for your intructions.
I finally figured it out: some undesired interference (now sorted out).
Very detailed videos, for all to be able to perform the operations without specialized help.
thanks for your help,very well explained.keep up the good work
Thank you very much 4 the quick response. I appreciate your
attention.
You're Welcome, sourcreamandcurtains. Glad to hear the video helped. -MrFixit
Very helpful. Thank you!
You're welcome, I'm glad it worked for you. Thank you. -MrFixit
"One Touch Backup" refers to the function provided by the software that comes with the adapter. Once installed, anytime you press the button, the adapter's backup software will initiate a backup of the files/folders selected by the user. It isn't required to use the adapter. The software provides compression during backup to save space on the connected HDD and the ability to restore those files later. The only thing that really differs is the price with/without the software -MrFixit
My old computer has a virus. How do you run a virus scan before transferring the old stuff to the new computer?
Wow! I could use this! My old laptop had blue screened but I know the hard drive is ok and has my stuff in it. Now I want to transfer all of it to my new laptop. Didn't think it be possible but now I see! I'll get me this cord! Thanks for video!
Great video. I was able to recover all my files from dead computer.
Nice way to transfer file from Dead PC to New PC.
It'd be helpful if you would post where to buy that adapter kit with all those configurations.
Thats lovely well xplained just learned smthing thank you man.
Very informative, thank you!
this tool with help me alot. i like how you very informative in your video. you take the time to show all the features of the tool and showed how each hard drive hooked to it. i have a old 44 pin laptop hard drive and your video showed me just what i needed your videos are a great service to alll of us. please keep up the great work. thank you Mr fix it
Good job thanks to you I was able to recover old baby pictures and video of important events.
I'll give that a try and if that doesn't work I'll just transfer my files to my working computer. Thanks for the help!
The 39-pin IDE HDD is actually a 40-pin IDE. When you look at the HDD's connector, look at the center of it. you'll notice there is 20 pins on top and 19 on the bottom. That's because pin# 20 is missing. This is used as a 'key' to ensure the cable is connected correctly. The 44-pin is for 2.5 inch IDE drives because their DATA and POWER connections are in one connector. The 40-pin is for the 3.5 inch drives since they have a separate DATA (40-pin) and POWER (4-pin) connectors. -MrFixit
that was very informative and practical...thank you!
i`ve just ordered one off ebay looking forward to using it now i`ve seen your tutorial thanks Mr Fixit. Bri.
Usted es bienvenido, Santiago Arce. Gracias. -MrFixit
Thanks for the tutorial bro!
Thank you. This helps. All the best to you.
Omg thank you!!! You just save many years of important pictures from years ago... Thank you Thank you so much!!!
hiya when you put a new sata harddrive in the pc do you use this sata data cable to transfer your data to the new harddrive
Thanks. This looks like even I should be able to do it. The adapter costs about $20 at Fry's. I didn't want to buy it until I'd seen how to use it.
@CityFlashLights The power supply comes with the adapter which also includes the adapter to convert the IDE 4-pin molex power connector to the SATA power connector as demonstrated. -MrFixit
@AmandaMeli Thank you. Using this process will work whether it's a PC to laptop or vise versa. The process was designed in the event you have a HDD from a dead computer, however, if you are transferring files from one computer to another, then you do have other options. You can use either a USB File transfer cable adapter or a 'NULL' Ethernet cable (a.k.a crossover ethernet) to interlink 2 computers together to transfer files. The USB File transfer is the simplest to use with minimum setup.
i have one of these adapters for an ide drive, windows xp states it found new hardware and that it is ready to use but i can't find any new hadware listed in my computet, is there something i need to do to see the drive?
@princesscupcaketatto Your welcome. You can find the External 3.5 inch USB Floopy drives at Computer stores or online with no assembly required. Early versions of eMachine had faulty Power Supply Units. Yes, as I've outlined in the video, everything in the video should come with the adapter, except the HDD. I'm here if you need me. Thanks for the compliment. I'm Glad the video helps. -MrFixit
@nowaas66 The adapter is called IDE/SATA to USB Adapter. It's compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0. Works with Win98 (with drivers) to Windows 7 OS. Many Computer stores sell them for around $20. They do vary from model to model. be sure to read the features and check the adapter works with 2.5 inch drives. What you see in the video is what most of these adapters are packaged with. Once connected the HDD will act as an external drive. -MrFixit
I'm wondering if applications such as Photoshop and so forth will be accessible from the host computer?
This is a great video, thanks for taking the time and make this great tutorial, well explained step by step, thanks and keep it up .....
Awesome tutorial, helped me out, thank you!!!!
Awesome I think you just saved my stuff from being formated :D
Thanks... Your help is appreciated.
You're welcome, Johan Westfält. Glad everything worked out. I do have a video to covert the HDD to USB using an external Drive enclosure kit, if you're interested. -MrFixit
@KingpinX19 Yes, Antivirus programs monitor reads and writes to the HDD. You can also perform a manual scan of the HDD. Be sure the program is up to date. If you still have trouble with HDD errors, let me know. -MrFixit
hey can i use my desktop hard drive as a portable hard drive using this device and will it work on windows 8
sir, i have laptops and i checked the harddrives, they have diffrent terminals.(hp,compaq ) what would be the item i should use?
Thank you very much for your work, Excellent info and video.
@ESRepair
I do have some friends who sometimes ask me computer questions I have to answer with, "I don't know." It might be nice to be able to add, "but there's this guy on CZcams who might be able to help."
The white connector is a 4-pin molex used to connect power to an IDE drive. The power supply comes with this adapter with the 4-pin power connector. it also comes with an adapter called a 4-pin to 15-pin SATA power connector. -MrFixit
No problem. I was referring specifically to NTFS for Mac OS. They can read a NTFS formated HDD as long as you have the OS and software mentioned in the video for Macs. They cannot write to NTFS HDDs.-MrFixit
Very good video, lots of details, good job.
Is there a way to load software (burnt on CD or placed on USB) on my broken Windows PC to transfer the files (so I don't need to pull my HDD out of the PC)?
Thanks for responding!
Good work man very much appreciated,thank you
my old laptop says "boot mgr is missing press crl alt delete to continue" - IF i remove the hard drive, can i use this process to transfer the files? will it work?
The connection will either be 40-pin (3.5" IDE drives) or 44-pin (2.5" IDE Drives) minus the 1 pin used for the key notch. MrFixit
much thanks. will try it. Mine will be Vista on SATA to Windows 8 on laptop
Awesome video. Thank you so much.
Thanks for that. I was thinking about getting a low grade laptop and simply swapping hard drives - things are never that simple through.
Great video bud are these the same steps when trying to get music off an old computer
where do you connect the power cable (the white side)? thanks.
very nice tutorial--enjoyed
I have different problem, after I log in all I see is an empty desktop, mouse still works, alt + ctrl + delete brings up screen which has task manager button but when I click on it the screen goes back and task manager will not appear. Is this software or hardware problem and how to fix it. Thanks, by the way operating system is vista home premium 32 bit.
@ItsOttis Yes, as long as the HDD's partition(s) not corrupted, however, in the event the drive is corrupted, there are free recovery software online that can assist recovering data. -MrFixit
@ESRepair
Thanks. Just found it, and will watch it later today.
Thanks for the information, you saved me $75!
My laptop died on me a second time. The first time, I went to a repair shop and was told nothing was wrong with it. I replaced the power cord and it worked again for a few months, now for the 2nd time its dead again. I want to replace the HDD with a SSD but I don't know how to transfer my laptop everything(OS, files folders, whatever makes the laptop work). Please help?
@KNOXTA I'm not sure I understand what u r asking. The SATA drive I used is a 3.5 inch drive. The 2.5 inch versions are used in laptops. They look like the small HDD sitting on the left in the begining. Laptop chargers will fry any HDD due to the 19VDC output. Drives that are 2.5 inch can be powered from the USB buss but 2 my knowlege 2.5 inch SATA drives require a special USB adapter that can regulate the power to the drive. Its connections are different. -MrFixit
Will it works on Internal HDD that probably broken? A computer guy told me that my HDD can't be format or data recover.
i need help. i bought the kit, hooked it up to several ide/sata hard drives. some don't come on at all. meaning i don't hear the sound that its starting up. one made a beeping sound. the other i heard start up, but nothing pops up on the computer, don't matter which one i hook it up to and searching didn't come up with anything either. i've windows vista so if i heard correct i don't need a special driver. what m i doing wrong?
This video helped me months ago.My desktop with a weeny 60 gb hd wouldn't boot up so I bought a laptop with 600 gb.I was able to bring over the files from my old hd to my laptop with the same cables you used.But Now I need more space and need an external hard drive.I wanted to use my old 60 gigs as an external but it's a piece of crap and was looking for a 1TB.
@ESRepair
i proved that monitor on my windows 7 and it worked right on the other computer when i turn the computer and the monitor it stays in stand by mode it shows nothing on my windows me so the monitor is fine so what could be the problem
I have and old Dell Optiplex 745 with a 37gb hard drive running windows 7.I wanna change hard drives to a 500gb drive.after watching your video, I think I can do that now.but my question is.is it possible to run two hard drives on this computer?
can i just use the other cpu power supply unit instead of buying the power supply uni as u showed
I love this guy's voice.
Thank you, bigantdawg2k3. Yes, you can put all the folders you want to save into 1 folder. When finshed, right click the folder and choose Properties and note the size on disk. It will show the size of the folder. The new storage media must have the minimum free space to store the folder. Once the transfer is complete use a secure erase program to erase your files to prevent others from snooping your drive. -MrFixit
Great video.
Thank you for posting this.
Where may I buy the adapter?
Regards
Moorthi
Thank you again for the quick reply. I am heading over to the video right now and I am going to subscribe to your channel.
Thank you, this is exactly what I needed and you presented it it in an idiot-proof way (perfect for me).
I have an older hard drive that is 4" wide with a different hook , is there an adapter for my hard drive? The model # is HD320KJ