Help getting files off dead Surface 2

[thestrangebrew1]

A buddy of mine has a dead Surface 2 that won't startup. I've tried holding the power button, volume up + power button and any other combination of buttons that have worked for other people online to no avail. At this point, he doesn't care if it ever works again so long as he can get some files off the tablet. I'm not sure this is possible and looking for some advice/tips. I'm assuming the hard drive is not a normal ssd that you can take out of the tablet and hook up to a desktop or laptop correct? Any help or advice is appreciated. And no, I don't believe he's used OneDrive to back things up. Shame on him for sure.

Oh, mods please move if this isn't the right place! Thanks!

 

[Oyeve]

It's an msata ssd so you should be able to get an adapter in the cheap and copy data off it.

 

[Torn Mind]

The battery died. It is heat gun and screwdriver time to get to the ssd and remove it.

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Microsoft+Surface+Pro+2+SSD+Replacement/21078

I had an Surface Pro 2 die and had to replace the battery. Tedious work.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Yea I saw the teardown on ifixit and man what a PITA. He's got some vital stuff on it though so as long as I can get the ssd out and plug it in to another pc/laptop and get the files off he'll be happy.

Edit: Will something like this work?

https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-2-5-...&qid=1506542189&sr=8-3&keywords=msata+adapter

Edit 2: Also, can I use this so I don't have to open up my pc?

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-SAT...ns&keywords=sata+to+usb&psc=1#customerReviews

 

[Oyeve]

Yea I saw the teardown on ifixit and man what a PITA. He's got some vital stuff on it though so as long as I can get the ssd out and plug it in to another pc/laptop and get the files off he'll be happy.

Edit: Will something like this work?

https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-2-5-...&qid=1506542189&sr=8-3&keywords=msata+adapter

Edit 2: Also, can I use this so I don't have to open up my pc?

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-SAT...ns&keywords=sata+to+usb&psc=1#customerReviews

Yep to both

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Yep to both

Awesome thanks!

 

[Topweasel]

Awesome thanks!

No to the last one.

Something like this ( I have used this one with mostly success).

Sabrent USB 3.0 mSATA II or III/6G SSD Enclosure Adapter [Support UASP] (EC-UKMS) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LRZPNHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kv48zbTKEK0GH

 

[thestrangebrew1]

I forgot about this thread. It turned out my friend only had the Surface 2, not the pro. From what I understand, the memory is a chip and not an actual drive in the pro. I didn't even bother taking it apart.

 

[Topweasel]

Yeah even the atom based Surface 3 uses a eMMC or basically an embedded SD chip for the drive. No use in tearing it appart.