How can I transfer files from one SATA HDD to another?

[Remobz]

Hello all,

I have an old SATA drive and need to transfer some important files on to a new HDD. Both drives are internal 3.5" SATA. I am looking to do a non-enclosure approach and have no clue what would be an easy way to do this?

What all would I need to order from Amazon.com to transfer the files?


cheers...

 

[Despoiler]

Hello all,

I have an old SATA drive and need to transfer some important files on to a new HDD. Both drives are internal 3.5" SATA.

What all would I need to order from Amazon.com to transfer the files?


cheers...

Umm hook them both upto the same computer, copy, paste?

 

[ALIVE]

Hello all,

I have an old SATA drive and need to transfer some important files on to a new HDD. Both drives are internal 3.5" SATA. I am looking to do a non-enclosure approach and have no clue what would be an easy way to do this?

What all would I need to order from Amazon.com to transfer the files?


cheers...

docking station????
or 2 of these??

 

[Remobz]

docking station????
or 2 of these??

Ahhhh...I thought you were going to recommend some USB adapter type cables or something like that.

I will have to read up on this docking station some more. Looks like it might work.

****Edit****

Just read your second option. Yes, your second option is what I was expecting. That should work for sure. Just need to watch some youtube videos to see how its done.

Thank you.

cheers...

 

[corkyg]

If both drives are installed in the same computer you need nothing special. Just use Windows Explorer. Drag and drop files from old HDD to new HDD as desired. You can do block copies, selected multiple files, etc.

 

[ALIVE]

Ahhhh...I thought you were going to recommend some USB adapter type cables or something like that.

I will have to read up on this docking station some more. Looks like it might work.

****Edit****

Just read your second option. Yes, your second option is what I was expecting. That should work for sure. Just need to watch some youtube videos to see how its done.

Thank you.

cheers...

they are very easy to use plug the power adopter then use the converter to molex or sata power to connect to your device.
plug the sata cable to hard drive and the usb cable to the computer
and one hard drive is connected to the pc through usb
do the same for the other.

 

[ALIVE]

If both drives are installed in the same computer you need nothing special. Just use Windows Explorer. Drag and drop files from old HDD to new HDD as desired. You can do block copies, selected multiple files, etc.

i imagine he has 2 hard drives and wants to back up data from one to antother.
they are standart size and he does not want to use an enclosure to do that.
i do not think they are actually connected to the computer internal right now

 

[ronbo613]

2 of these??

I've got one of those, it really comes in handy. That should do the job.

 

[corkyg]

i imagine he has 2 hard drives and wants to back up data from one to antother.
they are standart size and he does not want to use an enclosure to do that.
i do not think they are actually connected to the computer internal right now

That's my point. He has a computer with a SATA drive. He has another SATA drive. It is a simple task to open the computer and connect the 2nd SATA drive - no purchase of anything needed. Why buy something when all you need is to use what you have?

 

[Remobz]

I've got one of those, it really comes in handy. That should do the job.

Did you read the negative reviews on that amazon link?

128 negative reviews and many said their drives got fried Makes me nervous about buying

I have no problem buying something more expensive yet MORE reliable.

 

[Remobz]

That's my point. He has a computer with a SATA drive. He has another SATA drive. It is a simple task to open the computer and connect the 2nd SATA drive - no purchase of anything needed. Why buy something when all you need is to use what you have?

Yes, I have a single SATA HDD in my computer desk drawer for like 5 months now. I just wanted to transfer files to the HDD in my new computer system. I did not want to install the old internal HDD into the new system. Wanted to do a non-enclosure approach.

Oh and my old SATA HDD has windows xp pro and the new one has Windows 7 home premium. I do not think that matters right?



Anyway, is there a video or step by step instructions on how to do what you said?

Its my first time and I do not want to fry or erase anything by accident.

 

[Phynaz]

Did you read the negative reviews on that amazon link?

128 negative reviews and many said their drives got fried Makes me nervous about buying

I have no problem buying something more expensive yet MORE reliable.

Most likely it's people that shouldn't be doing something like this mis-handling their drives.

 

[Remobz]

That's my point. He has a computer with a SATA drive. He has another SATA drive. It is a simple task to open the computer and connect the 2nd SATA drive - no purchase of anything needed. Why buy something when all you need is to use what you have?

You mean I have to follow these instructions?

http://www.ehow.com/how_4797656_add-second-sata-hard-drive.html

Like I said, the SINGLE old SATA HDD has windows xp pro and the new one (computer system) has windows 7.

 

[kbp]

Win 7 and / or win XP will not matter. You can still copy files from one to the other.

 

[Remobz]

Win 7 and / or win XP will not matter. You can still copy files from one to the other.

Ok thanks.

I will try and find a youtube video as well. I like visual instructions if possible.

 

[Dessert Tears]

It is a simple task to open the computer and connect the 2nd SATA drive - no purchase of anything needed.

If he doesn't have an extra drive to borrow cables from, he might need another SATA cable. In my opinion, this is safer than using a sketchy USB adapter, since the power is coming from the system.

128 negative reviews and many said their drives got fried Makes me nervous about buying

Most likely it's people that shouldn't be doin something like this mis-handling their drives.

I bought two cheap kits, from Amazon, IIRC. The power supply that came in my kit cut out if jiggled. I ended up using a jumpered PSU for better reliability and an on/off switch. My dad burned his power supply out and switched to one that he had from some other drive kit. He eventually killed the drive, the adapter, and his motherboard. As far as he remembered, he accidentally connected the USB to the computer first, so the 12V power fed into the computer. My external drive's instructions also say to plug in power first, but I haven't read of any similar catastrophic failures.

 

[Tina1990]

Maybe you can try use the power cord plug on the hard drive and then connect the SATA data cable.

 

[corkyg]

Having XP Pro on the old drive and Win 7 on the new makes no difference. Only one can be booted from - the other is simply a drive full of files. I fail to understand the logic in this thread. ???

 

[Remobz]

Having XP Pro on the old drive and Win 7 on the new makes no difference. Only one can be booted from - the other is simply a drive full of files. I fail to understand the logic in this thread. ???

I just wanted to know what would be the best way to transfer files from an old SATA HDD.

I figured I needed all sorts of cables and adapters etc. etc.

You brought up a good idea and I will try your way. After doing my research, your way looks easy enough and safer.

My "nerd" factor is quite low in many areas. Sorry about that. But, I am learning.

Anyway, thanks for the advice.


cheers.....