Data Transfer - Can it be done?

Aidan78

Hey guys,

I've never been technically minded so apologies if this question has an obvious answer.

I bought a second hand laptop a little over a year ago. Have had various problems with it in the past few months, but nothing too serious - mainly overheating and turning itself off but I understand this is a design flaw of some kind (it's a Packard Bell).

Anyway, finally last week the laptop refused to boot up. It would switch on and then start to boot up but never would. Brought it into a repair shop in my local hometown, hoping to get it fixed. Wasn't really concerned with getting the laptop back up and running as I've since ordered a brand, spanking new one, which should be delivered within the next week. But the broken laptop has files saved in the 'My Documents' section that I want to keep - they're not backed up anywhere (not very smart of me, I know)

Anyways, the guy in the repair shop rings me yesterday and says that he can fix the laptop but it will mean that the files are going to be lost. Now, as I said, I'm not all that concerned with getting the laptop fixed, mainly just saving the files, so my question to all you knowledgable people is this: is there a way that the files can be transferred from the My Documents folder to a CD or USB key or even another computer, even if the laptop is not fixed? And if so, can someone perhaps recommend a place in Dublin that would be able to do this, and how much it would cost? The guy in the local repair shop is foreign and when I tried to explain to him what I wanted, I don't think he completely understood.

Thanks in advance,

Aidan.

PS. Mods, apologies if this post is in the wrong forum. Feel free to move...

KTRIC

Providing the hard drive is still working I can recover any files you want from it and burn them to cd / dvd for you.

Drop me a PM if you are interested.

Tom Dunne

There is a strong possibility the files can be recovered.

Without wanting to rain on KTRIC's parade, there are several things you can do.

You could try booting into Linux (get a disk from a magazine such as Linux format). You should then be able to see your files and copy them either to another computer on the network, a memory stick or burn them to CD if there is a CD writer in the machine.

Another option is to physically remove the hard-drive and put it into an external case. Connect it to your new laptop and simply copy the files over.

Admittedly, these options aren't for the novice, but the bottom line is you should be able to get your files back.

JackKelly

I'd say if you have a new laptop on the way, the best option is buying a 2.5" External Hard drive case off ebay (cost about 15 euro delivered), taking the Harddrive out and putting it in the case. Then all you have to do is plug it into the new laptop.

They benefit is you will then have a nice little external hard drive you can use for back up in the future.

Aidan78

Thanks for all the advice, guys. I'm glad to hear that I have at least a few options.

Since I am not technically minded, the whole idea of removing the hard drive from the laptop doesn't at all sound appealing. If I'm being honest, I'm not even sure what the hard drive would look like.

The guy who currently has my laptop wants to 'try something'. Failing this, KTRIC, I may actually take you up on your offer. Will send you a PM in a few days and let you know either way.

Thanks again,

Aidan

thebman

Removing a HDD from a laptop is one of the easiest things you can do. You won't even have to remove the case, probably undo one screw in the side.

If you take a picture of your laptop from all sides, we could point it out to you.

Also putting it in an external enclosure is easy too. No point wasting money/time on a more complex solution IMO.

I back up the make it an external drive for your new machine comment. Assuming you have all fingers attached to your hands, it won't be that difficult.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Hitachinotebookhd.jpg

It'll just slide out the side of the laptop.