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Access HDDs from broken computer

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  • 06-11-2015 6:11pm
    #1
    dango
    Registered Users Posts: 387 ✭✭


    Hi, my desktop went kaput a while ago (psu/mobo) and I'm not in a position to repair it. I had two HDDs with films/music etc. on them attached to the computer and I'm looking to access them often, reliably and without corrupting them. Is there a (hopefully cheap) solution out there?
    I have had issues in the past with HDDs formatted for use in a desktop setup requiring to be formatted for use in enclosures etc. is this still the case? Or is there a way I can access the data without risking corrupting the files?
    Any advice would be great!
    D


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    #2
    FSL
    Registered Users Posts: 1,456 ✭✭✭FSL


    There should not be a problem accessing them from an enclosure as long as you are not trying to access them using an OS that doesn't support the format of the discs.


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    #3
    riclad
    Registered Users Posts: 8,184 ✭✭✭riclad


    use a sata caddy cost around ,25 euro,3.5inch with its own power supply.
    if drives are ide use a sata/ide caddy 3.5inch 36 euro approx.
    Make sure they are slotted in right ,turn on caddy power .
    wait or 2 minutes, let drive spin up.
    Then plug usb cable into the pc , laptop.after 1-2 minutes
    window should open , open folders drive e, f etc
    Theres no need to format a drive for use in an enclosure .Just be gentle when
    moving them or putting them in an enclosure .
    There,s no risk of corrupting files by using a caddy ,if you are careful.
    be careful ,
    never turn off caddy or turn on caddy when caddy usb is connected to a pc.
    remove usb cable ,wait 30 seconds ,turn off caddy.
    always use remove device drive,e,f ,external caddy when you are
    finished ,
    wait 1 minute,
    WAIT for message it is now safe to remove drive x usb ,
    remove usb cable.from pc,laptop after you see this message .
    OR just shut down pc,laptop completely then remove usb cable from pc.

    if caddy is metal put tape on drives underneath to prevent a short circuit.
    don,t buy a cheap caddy for 12 euro.

    this is the one i use ,
    i got it in 2010.
    still works fine.
    http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/sharkoon-2535-inch-sataide-usb-dock-a12jy

    works on ide,sata 2.5 or 3.5inch ide ,sata .


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    #4
    riclad
    Registered Users Posts: 8,184 ✭✭✭riclad


    if drive is sata , you may want to buy a cheaper sata only enclosure 3.5 inch type.


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