[xT4iw4n3zx]

I just got a new Quad-Core Desktop. My question is, there's an old computer I have that's sitting in my closet right now and I'd like to get some data out of it. The old computer in question dates back to about 2001, maybe 2000?

My question is: Is there anyway to access my old HDD? The computer's MoBo (Mother Board) is dead. I can't even turn it on. Would there be any compatibility issues between the two computers (the old one and the new one)?

Any suggestions guys? Is software/hardware required?

[Mega Man]

What OS is it running? What OS is your current PC running?

[xT4iw4n3zx]

Originally Posted by Mega Man

What OS is it running? What OS is your current PC running?

Old 2001 Computer: Windows XP

New Desktop: Windows Vista 64-bit

[Ochmonek]

Originally Posted by xT4iw4n3zx

I just got a new Quad-Core Desktop. My question is, there's an old computer I have that's sitting in my closet right now and I'd like to get some data out of it. The old computer in question dates back to about 2001, maybe 2000?

My question is: Is there anyway to access my old HDD? The computer's MoBo (Mother Board) is dead. I can't even turn it on. Would there be any compatibility issues between the two computers (the old one and the new one)?

Any suggestions guys? Is software/hardware required?

Sure. Your old HDD is probably IDE. You just need to have an IDE controller on your new MoBo to hook it up to. If your new MoBo doesn't have one, you can get a USB to IDE adapter fairly cheap. Here's a link to one on Frys.com: Frys

[xT4iw4n3zx]

Originally Posted by Ochmonek

Sure. Your old HDD is probably IDE. You just need to have an IDE controller on your new MoBo to hook it up to. If your new MoBo doesn't have one, you can get a USB to IDE adapter fairly cheap. Here's a link to one on Frys.com: Frys

You lost me >O>
What's an IDE Controller? Do most computers have this?

[Ochmonek]

Originally Posted by xT4iw4n3zx

You lost me >O>
What's an IDE Controller? Do most computers have this?

IDE stands for Integrated Drive Electronics, Read about it on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EIDE

Newer computers are usually Serial ATA (SATA) wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sata

Your new MoBo may or may not have an IDE controller, in which case you can use the USB to IDE adapter to get your data off of the old HDD.


What MoBo do you have?? I'll look up the specs and tell you what you have.

[xT4iw4n3zx]

Originally Posted by Ochmonek

IDE stands for Integrated Drive Electronics, which is connected to the MoBo via an 80-pin ribbon cable. Newer computers are usually Serial ATA (SATA) and are connected with a 7-pin cable. Your new MoBo may or may not have an IDE controller, in which case you can use the USB to IDE adapter to get your data off of the old HDD.


What MoBo do you have?? I'll look up the specs and tell you what you have.

Where do I look up what type of Mobo I have? >__>

[darkphantom]

^yup, IDE to usb. pretty sure you didn't have sata back then :P

[darkphantom]

Originally Posted by xT4iw4n3zx

Where do I look up what type of Mobo I have? >__>

what type of computer was it? what's the model number?

If it was custom built, you can look on the inside of the tower and look for the company name on the mobo and model #

[Ochmonek]

Originally Posted by darkphantom

^yup, IDE to usb. pretty sure you didn't have sata back then :P

Originally Posted by darkphantom

what type of computer was it? what's the model number?

If it was custom built, you can look on the inside of the tower and look for the company name on the mobo and model #

Definitely didn't have SATA back then. His new MoBo may have an IDE controller though.

If you bought it pre-built, what's the model number and manufacturer ??

[xT4iw4n3zx]

Originally Posted by Ochmonek

Definitely didn't have SATA back then. His new MoBo may have an IDE controller though.

If you bought it pre-built, what's the model number and manufacturer ??

Damn, can I just say you guys are my new GoTo People LOL!
Friggin Computer Gurus I bow in your prescence!

Hewlett Packard
Model: a6700f

BTW Do I have a decent desktop? I pickd it up for 1K

[Ochmonek]

Originally Posted by xT4iw4n3zx

Damn, can I just say you guys are my new GoTo People LOL!
Friggin Computer Gurus I bow in your prescence!

Hewlett Packard
Model: a6700f

BTW Do I have a decent desktop? I pickd it up for 1K

Your MoBo does have a PATA (IDE) controller. You just need to open up the case and see if there is a cable connected to it. Your HDD and DVD burner are both SATA, so there probably won't be.

It may be easier for you to just go the USB to IDE adapter route.

[xT4iw4n3zx]

Originally Posted by Ochmonek

Your MoBo does have a PATA (IDE) controller. You just need to open up the case and see if there is a cable connected to it. Your HDD and DVD burner are both SATA, so there probably won't be.

It may be easier for you to just go the USB to IDE adapter route.

Okay so when I open up my Computer Case, where should I look for this wire? What does it look like? When I do find it, I can just plug in my old HDD into it, start up the comp, and access the information right?

[darkphantom]

yeah...they're about ~$30 from any computer electronics store

[darkphantom]

the ribbon cable is the IDE cable here, look for that.

Also, the hard drive is probably secured by 4-8 screws on either side.

[xT4iw4n3zx]

Originally Posted by darkphantom

the ribbon cable is the IDE cable here, look for that.

Also, the hard drive is probably secured by 4-8 screws on either side.

Alright, so when I have some spare time later today I'll pop open my computer and look for that cable. Once I find it, I'll just unplug the old HDD and hook it up to this wire inside the new machine, correct?

[Ochmonek]

Originally Posted by xT4iw4n3zx

Alright, so when I have some spare time later today I'll pop open my computer and look for that cable. Once I find it, I'll just unplug the old HDD and hook it up to this wire inside the new machine, correct?

Your old computer will have the IDE drive and ribbon cable. If you remove it from your old computer, you can temporarily hook it up to the IDE controller in your new computer. HOWEVER, you probably need to go into your BIOS and see if the IDE controller is even enabled, and whether the SATA drive is set to boot first. It's possible that by hooking up the old IDE drive, it will become your "C" drive.

Like I said, it's easier to get the USB to IDE adapter. Once you get the IDE drive out of your old computer, you just hook up the adapter, power and plug it into a USB port on your new computer. Your new computer should recognize it, same as it would a thumb drive, and you can then get your data.

[RENN Spec]

Don't forget the 4 pin power cable too. Most computers these days eliminated it but seeing how your mobo still has the ide, it probably has it too. However, seeing that since you have a HP, they may have maxed it out on the amount of cables so you'll need to buy one of those splitters from mwave/fry's or sites like that.

[tinkj252]

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