Data retrieval from old SATA HDD

[supersudu]

Hello everyone.
I recently built a new desktop PC with a 1TB WD HDD. Previously I had a Seagate 80GB SATA HDD. I have all my data stored in that drive. Now I want to transfer all that data to my new drive. All my BIOS settings are default. Kindly help.
Thanks in advance.
Cheers.

 

[psaus]

If the old system still works, creating a network share and transferring the data over the network is probably one of the easiest ways. Not necessarily the fastest, but easiest.
Alternatively, just connect the old drive to the new computer (making sure you're booting the new system with the new hdd) and then copy and paste your data.

By "data" I mean photos, music and alike. You cannot move apps - these need to be reinstalled from the CDs/DVDs/redownloaded.

 

[terryd75]

PSAUS is correct!

 

[supersudu]

If the old system still works, creating a network share and transferring the data over the network is probably one of the easiest ways. Not necessarily the fastest, but easiest.
Alternatively, just connect the old drive to the new computer (making sure you're booting the new system with the new hdd) and then copy and paste your data.

By "data" I mean photos, music and alike. You cannot move apps - these need to be reinstalled from the CDs/DVDs/redownloaded.

The old sytem died. thats why I bought a new one. So the the first option is ruled out. I connected that hard disk to my new PC only to hear a beep and the boot splash went missing. I reset BIOS (yeah, same old jumper job), removed the old drive I just connected and it became normal on booting.. What could be the reason? Was it because it was in a IDE mode? I have set it to AHCI now. Will it be ok now..?? Or is at some other problem?
?

 

[psaus]

Then the less than easy route we'll go.
I suspect that it's because the BIOS tried booting the old drive. THat old drive won't boot your new system without reinstalling Windows on that drive.

2 ways to force boot correctly
1. most systems have a F-button you can press during POST that lets you force the drive to boot from for that boot. (F11 or F8on several I've seen) Only do this if you're going to harvest your data and then remove the old drive.
2. Enter BIOS and configure your boot order, insuring the new 1TB drive is the first in the order (and if the BIOS allows, remove the old drive completely from boot potential).

EDIT: If you're struggling with these BIOS settings, reply with the make/model of your mobo and we can give you more detailed instructions...

 

[supersudu]

Thanks mate. I will do that once and let you know.Already have that 1TB disk up on the first in boot priority.. So it should work this time around. I think thaese instructions are fine. Im not averse to that blue screen BIOS. Thanks once again. My father will be very happy to know all his files are back,

 

[psaus]

FWIW, I've seen the boot priority get changed/amended when you add a new drive. Sometimes it can be explained, other times not.
So double check the boot priority setting. If it still doesn't work, hopefully the F-button option works long enough to harvest the data and reformat the drive (reset the MBR and all that).
Let us know how you get on. Good luck.

 

[supersudu]

Sure thing mate. I will try it. Cheers.

 

[supersudu]

Got all my data!! Thanks PSAUS!

 

[supersudu]

Best answer selected by supersudu.

 

[psaus]

NP, glad it all worked out for you.