Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: momum on August 21, 2009, 01:46:05 PM

Title: Hard Drive
Post by: momum on August 21, 2009, 01:46:05 PM

Had a 2002 computer with Windows XP. It stopped working - green power light came on but hard drive did not start up. I was advised it was a motherboard problem and it would be easier to buy a new computer.

I now have a Compaq with Windows Vista.

My question is can I transfer information from old hard drive to new hard drive?
Would it be complicated?

Any help greatly appreaciated :)

Title: Re: Hard Drive
Post by: Quantos on August 21, 2009, 02:31:47 PM

It's not complicated at all.

You need the HDD from the old computer, and an external HDD enclosure to put it in.
You will more than likely need an EIDE enclosure, but if you take the old HDD to the store they can fix you up with which one you want.

Then just connect the enclosure to your new computer and turn it on.

Title: Re: Hard Drive
Post by: momum on August 21, 2009, 02:54:08 PM

HDD  - Hard Drive D??

EIDE ? ???

I'm a real novice although I'm not afraid to go into computer and remove HD myself.

Thanks

Title: Re: Hard Drive
Post by: Quantos on August 21, 2009, 03:00:29 PM

HDD=Hard Disk Drive
EIDE=Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics

It's really not that hard to do.

When you remove the old HDD just make sure to disconnect the PSU(Power Supply Unit) from the wall socket before opening the computer.

When you are working on the inside of the computer keep yourself grounded to it by touching the case frequently.

Use an anti-static bag(they look like a see through mirror almost) to transport the HDD to the store.

If you don't have an anti static bag you can probably borrow one from a friend.

Title: Re: Hard Drive
Post by: Griff on August 21, 2009, 04:03:24 PM

EIDE (or just IDE) is the older drive style. (Today we use SATA/SATA2) The cable looks like this...

(http://www.doublehammer.com/clinic/images/eide.jpg)

The power for the drive comes through a cable called a Molex connector...

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/401497616_f086c0ebb7.jpg?v=0)

All you would need to do is power down your new computer and unplug it from the wall. Then put the new drive in, connect both cables to the drive (there should a few spare Molex connectors in the case.) Once evereything is back together with the new drive in, power on the system and boot into the new system. Your old Hard drive should appear as a new letter (D... E... F... Z... whatever. Its random.) and you can access everything on that drive.

there MIGHT be a permission issue (Access Denied error), but we can help you with that if it comes up!

Post any more questions and we'll clear it up. If your still confused, take a picture of the nex motherboard and we can highlight what goes where.

Title: Re: Hard Drive
Post by: patio on August 21, 2009, 04:05:09 PM

Slave Drive Tutorial (http://www.dtidata.com/resourcecenter/2007/04/23/how-to-slave-hard-drive/)

Includes pics...

Title: Re: Hard Drive
Post by: Quantos on August 21, 2009, 04:06:43 PM

Quote from: patio on August 21, 2009, 04:05:09 PM

Slave Drive Tutorial (http://www.dtidata.com/resourcecenter/2007/04/23/how-to-slave-hard-drive/)

Includes pics...

Thanks man.

Title: Re: Hard Drive
Post by: patio on August 21, 2009, 04:08:45 PM

You got it...