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How can I get data off of a working hdd from a broken notebook?

I

Infohawk

Lifer
My friend's power supply is messed up on her laptop. She wants the data from the hdd and wants to buy a new computer. Time is of the essence for the data-- she needs it soon. What does one need to recover the data. I have my own laptop. What parts are necessary?

How much would computer shops charge to do this?
 
Where can you buy an adapter? Could I hook it up to my laptop without opening mine up? Is there an ide-usb interface or something like that? (Seems like this would cost quite a bit at a store if I can do it myself.)
 
compgeeks.com and probably many others (newegg, directron, mwave) sell a 2.5 to 3.5 adapter kit that has a pair of metal brackets and a connector to change the pinout and power to mach desktop driives, cost is about $5. Use this to add the drive to a desktop PC then copy away.

An external drive enclosure would also work, though if it's 3.5" size instead of 2.5" it probably needs the same adapter I describe above. Newegg, compgeeks, etc. sell these too, in both sizes. Cost $20-40 depending on features.

Like this, newegg ships fast: ByteCC 2.5" $18 plus shipping (Item#: N82E16817145352 at newegg.com)
 
Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
compgeeks.com and probably many others (newegg, directron, mwave) sell a 2.5 to 3.5 adapter kit that has a pair of metal brackets and a connector to change the pinout and power to mach desktop driives, cost is about $5. Use this to add the drive to a desktop PC then copy away.

An external drive enclosure would also work, though if it's 3.5" size instead of 2.5" it probably needs the same adapter I describe above. Newegg, compgeeks, etc. sell these too, in both sizes. Cost $20-40 depending on features.
Click to expand...


Cool. :-/ Anybody know of local stores that might sell this type of thing? Time is of the essence. Unless she wants to fork out $150 for a local store to do it.
 
Where are you? a local computer store might carry one, a parts superstore like Frys probably does, no idea about CompUSA.

If you can wait until Monday you could order from newegg (see post above) and pay for overnight shipping and rush order processing.
 
Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Where are you? a local computer store might carry one, a parts superstore like Frys probably does, no idea about CompUSA.

If you can wait until Monday you could order from newegg (see post above) and pay for overnight shipping and rush order processing.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that seems like it may be the best option -- rushed newegg that is. There's no reason I could convert it from 2.5 to ide 3.5 then add on a usb converter so I could attach it to my laptop right? :-/

PS I'm in Washington DC
 
Originally posted by: Infohawk
PS How does the laptop hdd get power? Through the adapter?
Click to expand...
The 2.5" external USB enclosure I linked to gets power from the USB cable. If you buy this you don't need any extra parts.

The 3.5" external USB enclosures use a "wall wart" power brick. Note for the 3.5" ones probably need the 2.5-to-3.5 bracket/plug kit I mentioned since I don't see those parts in the Newegg pictures.
 
Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Originally posted by: Infohawk
PS How does the laptop hdd get power? Through the adapter?
Click to expand...
The 2.5" external USB enclosure I linked to gets power from the USB cable. If you buy this you don't need any extra parts.

The 3.5" external USB enclosures use a "wall wart" power brick. Note for the 3.5" ones probably need the 2.5-to-3.5 bracket/plug kit I mentioned since I don't see those parts in the Newegg pictures.
Click to expand...


Cool, thanks for the link. :beer: Is newegg pretty respectable about how quickly they can ship it?

How do I verify my friend's is a 2.5"? It's a gateway solo. Does 2.5 refer to the width or length. I assume most are under an inch in height. Now I have to open up the laptop...
 
2.5" is the standard width for laptop drives, 9.5mm is the standard height. If the laptop is less than 5 years old it should definitely fit the enclosure. Probably even if it's older.

Newegg is legendary for their fast shipping, but since you're in a hurry you might pay their extra fee for even faster order processing.
 
Originally posted by: Infohawk
Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Originally posted by: Infohawk
PS How does the laptop hdd get power? Through the adapter?
Click to expand...
The 2.5" external USB enclosure I linked to gets power from the USB cable. If you buy this you don't need any extra parts.

The 3.5" external USB enclosures use a "wall wart" power brick. Note for the 3.5" ones probably need the 2.5-to-3.5 bracket/plug kit I mentioned since I don't see those parts in the Newegg pictures.
Click to expand...


Cool, thanks for the link. :beer: Is newegg pretty respectable about how quickly they can ship it?

How do I verify my friend's is a 2.5"? It's a gateway solo. Does 2.5 refer to the width or length. I assume most are under an inch in height. Now I have to open up the laptop...
Click to expand...

100% of all notebook harddisks I've seen were 2.5" 🙂
 
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