Note that disk enclosures aren’t commonly found in big-box stores and are usually purchased online.
Alternatively, you can hook a second external hard drive up to the working computer and simply use the computer to transfer files from the old drive to the new one A Linux computer will be able to read files off of a Windows computer (but not the other way around); unless you understand both systems, however, it is best to use a Windows computer to recover a Windows hard drive. Mac computers can read hard drives formatted for Windows default NTFS files system, but they cannot write or transfer files to a NTFS hard drive. Hard drives formatted for Mac’s HFS file system can only be read by another Mac computer.
Some laptop models may require special tools to open and/or remove the hard drive. Check the label on the bottom of your laptop to get the exact model number for your laptop and then search for “How to remove a hard drive from a [brand and model] laptop. You should find official an users manual and possibly a YouTube video showing exactly how to open your computer model. In some cases, you may need to take it to a professional. [1] X Research source
If you have an IDE hard drive, note that there is a detachable adapter sitting over the interface. Simply pull this adapter off so that the drive will properly connect with the enclosure’s connector plate.
If your computer doesn’t automatically prompt you about the new external storage unit, simply open File Explorer on Windows, or the Finder on Mac and click on the old hard drive. File Explorer has an icon that resembles a folder with a blue clip. It’s in the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. The Finder has a icon that resembles a blue and white smiley face. It’s in the Dock at the bottom of the screen. If the hard drive isn’t recognized at first, try ejecting it and plugging it back in. If the hard drive is not readable, it’s likely that the hard drive itself (and not your computer’s software) failed. If this is the case, you will need professional assistance if you wish to continue the salvage. Be warned that this can be very expensive.
A Linux computer will be able to read files off of a Windows computer (but not the other way around); unless you understand both systems, however, it is best to use a Windows computer to recover a Windows hard drive.
Where the hard drive is located is different from one laptop model to another. Consult the user’s manual or manufacturer’s website if you need help locating the hard drive on your laptop. If your laptop has an IDE hard drive, note that there is a detachable adapter sitting over the hard drive interface. Simply pull this adapter off so that the interface is accessible later. Some laptop models may require special tools to open and/or remove the hard drive. Check the label on the bottom of the laptop to see the exact make and model of your laptop and search for, “How to remove the hard drive for a [make and model number] laptop. " You should find a user’s manual and possibly a YouTube video with step-by-step instructions on how to take apart your laptop. In some cases, you may need to take it to a professional. [2] X Research source
If you have an IDE drive, configure it to “slave” mode before connecting it to the IDE ribbon. The configuration should be noted on the hard drive itself and will involve moving a plastic cap over a particular pin or set of pins (aka “jumpers”) on the hard drive interface. Configuring it to slave mode will keep your laptop hard drive from competing with the desktop’s “master” hard drive during boot-up.
The BIOS Settings and menus may be different from one computer model to another.
The BIOS Settings and menus may be different from one computer model to another.
The BIOS Settings and menus may be different from one computer model to another.
If the hard drive is not readable, it’s likely that the hard drive itself (and not your computer’s software) failed. If this is the case, you will need professional assistance if you wish to continue the salvage. Be warned that this can be very expensive.
If the hard drive is not readable, it’s likely that the hard drive itself (and not your computer’s software) failed. If this is the case, you will need professional assistance if you wish to continue the salvage. Be warned that this can be very expensive.
Turn on your computer as normal. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click System Preferences Click Startup Disk Click Target Disk Mode. Reboot your computer to start it in Target Disk Mode.
