file removal from dead computer

not sure if the correct place to post. I have a dead computer ravaged by a virus (was unable to get somebody to look up your advice and walk me through removal) and I need to get as many files from the hard drive and either throw away or reformat. does this process take a tech wizard or are there instructions? I have since bought a laptop however want to get these files.

 

Make sure whatever computer you attached the virii infected hard drive to is well protected or you will have two sick computers on your hands.

Get an adapter similar to this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ata_to_usb_2.0_adapter-_-12-156-102-_-Product
Connect the sick hard drive to a 3.5" IDE or SATA connector and plug in the power. Then plug the USB cable into a working computer. You should be able to see your files.

Copy, do not move what you want to salvage. Scan every file you copy to the working computer to be sure it is not infected. Once you have all the files, you can clean the infected hard drive.

The files you move over, might have to be changed (you need to take ownership of them) on the new computer to be able to use them.

Please mention in your next post, what version of windows are on both of the computers so anyone reading can tell you the specific steps about taking ownership of transferred files.

 

The adapter plodr suggested is a good choice. It can come in handy especially with a laptop.
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If the computer is the one that is still operating but having Operating System troubles you could use a Live Linux CD to boot the computer and then copy the files to USB thumb drive. It isn't very difficult and you don't have to know anything about Linux to navigate to get your files. You will need a blank CD/DVD to burn the disc. If you want info on that option let us know.

 

After following sach2 and plodr's steps, consider how to safely dispose of the drive without risking identity theft.

If you have any personal data (documents, tax records, etc.) on the old drive a hacker can easily recover them if you just reformat the drive. To protect yourself against this, do one or both of the following:

*Use a free file shredding program such as

http://majorgeeks.com/CyberShredder_d4823.html

* Put the old hard drive in a plastic bag and beat the s:***t out of it with a hammer. :hammer This will make it almost impossible to recover data.​

Hope this helps.