Copying Data from Dead Leaptop

[fadex1945]

So I'm a software developer who works primarily from a virtual office using a company provided laptop. This morning the motherboard on this laptop failed and a Dell tech is coming in 2-3 days to get it up and running again. However, while I backup a lot of work documents and such I also have tons of stuff on the drive (multiple client VMs, large copies of source code repositories etc.) All of this stuff can be redownloaded over the corporate VPN but we're talking 300gb or more of data and the VPN slows my internet connection down a good bit so I'm hoping to avoid this extremely long download.

I can think of a few ways to get data off of the laptop, but I'm not really sure what the best way is. So I'm mostly just wondering: what is the best way to grab all the stuff off the hdd and put it somewhere else (I have a desktop PC I use for my personal use.)

Also...is this even necessary? Will a Dell technician have to reformat the drive when he puts a new mobo in?

 

[ezskills]

when the Dell technician replace your motherboard only all of your files will still be there and your computer will boot up like nothing ever happen

 

[HyNrgy]

If you are scared of losing access or the data, you should be able to do the following.

Look at the underside of the laptop and see if they have an access panel. If it is there and you have access to the drive, you can get an external hard drive enclosure to plug it in and use as an external hard drive.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sata-hard-drive-docking-station-with-esata-and-usb-connection/8990443.p?id=1218007083869&skuId=8990443&st=categoryid$pcmcat186100050007&cp=1&lp=5

this might be what you are looking for. I do not think temporarily removing HD will void warranty or repair plan but you may check.