I need to access files on old hard drive before using it in new build

[ravenbear]

My old desktop pc had a broken motherboard. I decided to buy new parts and do a new build since the mobo was too old to buy again, but I want to reuse the old hard drive. However I want to access the hard drive first and copy some documents (less than 100mb) first before I wipe it to install new OS. It is a 3.5" sata hard drive with Windows 7 x64 ultimate.

What is the simplest way to do this? I do not have another desktop to put the drive in. I do have a laptop, external 2gb desktop hard drive, and assorted flash drives 2gb-16gb. I know I can purchase an enclosure or docking bay but I would rather not spend money on something I will only use once.

Can I just plug the hard drive into the new build and try to boot windows? I heard about installing a linux OS onto a usb drive but I have never used linux so I would need some starter info or pointed in the right direction. Like what is the name of a free simple linux I can do this with, where do i download it, or link to instructions, etc.

Thank you

 

[Ne0Wolf7]

You cauld probably plug it intot the new one and copy to a USB stick. Are you getting a SSD or something newer for you preogrames? If you're not, when you mignt not have to da anything to your hard drive at all.

 

[Math Geek]

the linux disk is going to be the easiest way for you if you can't install it into another pc to get to the data. a simple live usb is all you need to boot up the new pc and get the data copied.

then of course wipe the drive and install windows fresh for the new build.

i'd use ubuntu myself for this purpose. get it here and use whatever you want to create the usb drive for it. https://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop

this page explains how to select unbuntu to run from the usb/dvd and not be installed. https://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/try-ubuntu-before-you-install