Transfer Files from Hard Drive - Which Adapter?

[RTY12]

I have a laptop with a broken screen. I need to transfer files to my desktop. I tried to connect the desk top's monitor but that does not work. I understand I can remove and plug the laptop hard drive into an adapter on a UBS cable and transfer the files to my desktop. Exactly which adapter do I need? Manufacturer and model would be most economical? My hard drive is:

Western Digital WD800VE Enhanced IDE

 

[Guest]

You need an 2.5" IDE to USB adapter or enclosure. Something like this would work:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA10V2GV5047&cm_re=2.5_ide_to_usb-_-17-155-701-_-Product

It's a shame to buy something that will probably only give you a one time use, however using this enclosure, you can use the hard drive as an external once the files are copied over.

 

[RTY12]

Thank you for your prompt reply. Will I need a cable or anything else (like a power supply)?

 

[Guest]

Nope. It's all bus powered. Just be sure to plug both usb ports into the enclosure.

 

[RTY12]

Does a screw driver come with this? I ask this because it shows an image of a screw driver. Once I plug everything in copying the files is easy?

 

[Guest]

It seems like this enclosure includes the mini screw driver and the usb cable. Once you have your hard drive in the enclosure and connect it via USB, it should show up in "My Computer" as a Removable Drive. It should automatically be assigned a drive letter. Once this happens, you can browse the files just like you would any other drive.

 

[RTY12]

Thank you so much.

 

[Guest]

Np. Let me know if you have any problems.

 

[RTY12]

Two more questions:

1. Are you sure the model you recommended will work for the hard drive Western Digital WD800VE Enhanced IDE?

2. Is there a way to tell if the hard drive is ok when out of the laptop before I buy the enclosure? (the laptop turned on but I did not hear any sounds).

 

[Guest]

1. Yes it will work. If it doesn't, there is an issue with your hard drive.

2. Well if you take the hard drive out of the laptop, it's just sitting there, so no. If you don't hear any sounds, it could be that the hard drive is dead. You mentioned the issue was with your broken screen and video output. That on its own would not affect the hard drive. There is no way to tell if the hard drive is ok if it is not plugged into a computer.

 

[RTY12]

When I turned the laptop on the little light on the computer came on. Would this mean the hard drive works?

I also have a Gateway desktop from 2001 that does not work but I believe the hard drive is ok. Is there an enclosure or something that will allow me to transfers files to another desktop?

 

[Guest]

Nope that doesn't mean anything other than the light works. You need a 3.5" IDE enclosure for that one.