Accessing files on laptop with a dead mobo

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by LauraR, Sep 11, 2010.

  1. LauraR

    LauraR MajorGeeks Super-Duper Administrator Staff Member

    Dell Laptop (XP)


    Dell wants to charge her $400 to send her harddrive in and rescue her files. I thought that sounded ridiculous.

    Is this an easy process?

    I found this online: http://www.ehow.com/how_6068433_can-off-laptop-dead-motherboard_.html

    Sounds easy, but wanted to know if anyone can tell me if it is that easy.

    Or better yet, give me step by step.:-D
     
    LauraR, Sep 11, 2010
    #1
  2. satrow

    satrow Major Geek Extraordinaire

    It's that easy - providing the drive is good :)

    Probably need to undo 6 screws on the laptop and drive sled and it's ready to fit into an external case. Make sure you buy an IDE case if it's an IDE drive though ;).

    Dell have full stripdown info on their support site under Documents once you select the model.
     
    satrow, Sep 11, 2010
    #2
  3. collinsl

    collinsl MajorGeek

    And if it is a SATA drive then standard SATA power and data plugs will work. It really is not hard at all.
     
    collinsl, Sep 11, 2010
    #3
  4. LauraR

    LauraR MajorGeeks Super-Duper Administrator Staff Member

    Turns out they wanted her to take the hard drive out and then send the laptop in to replace the mobo. :confused

    It's an old laptop. I told her not to waste the $400, get herself a new one and have someone transfer her files over from her old hard drive.

    Why would Dell tell her to take her hard drive out if they were saying her mobo needed replacing?

    I was willing to try it for her if she asked, but she's good with spending the money so I didn't volunteer.
     
    LauraR, Sep 11, 2010
    #4
  5. the mekanic

    the mekanic Major Mekanical Geek

    There is always the cloning option, but why stick with XP, if you can get a nice laptop for about $600 - $700 with W7 already loaded?

    Hell, if you go to TigerDirect they even have a few refurbs with Blu-Ray drives for less than twice what the repair would be.
     
    the mekanic, Sep 11, 2010
    #5
  6. LauraR

    LauraR MajorGeeks Super-Duper Administrator Staff Member

    Agreed. I told her it was crazy to spend any money on repairing that if the hard drive can be accessed and her files can be retrieved. That's what she's planning at this point...New laptop, pay for file recovery.
     
    LauraR, Sep 11, 2010
    #6
  7. the mekanic

    the mekanic Major Mekanical Geek

    Here's one of my favorite tools:

    http://www.restockit.com/apricorn-d...-speed-usb-(m57308).html/?source=bingshopping

    I actually picked it up for less at TigerDirect some time ago, and at that time it came with what was called "EZ-Gig II" software. Basically, it's Acronis, and VERY useful.

    As long as the drive still works, you could boot it via USB on the new PC with the Apricorn tool, and then transfer all of the files from XP to the new drive. Using the BIOS, select the XP drive as the first boot drive. You may have to run an XP "repair" should you get a BSOD, but hopefully you won't. The other way around is more difficult, especially if the folders are privatized. Changing ownership can be an unsuccessful P.I.A. sometimes...
     
    Last edited: Sep 11, 2010
    the mekanic, Sep 11, 2010
    #7
  8. LauraR

    LauraR MajorGeeks Super-Duper Administrator Staff Member

    Awesome. Thanks!
     
    LauraR, Sep 11, 2010
    #8
  9. Caliban

    Caliban I don't need no steenkin' title!

    Caliban, Sep 11, 2010
    #9
  10. the mekanic

    the mekanic Major Mekanical Geek

    You're quite welcome!

    :dancer
     
    the mekanic, Sep 11, 2010
    #10
  11. bigbazza

    bigbazza R.I.P. 14/12/2011 - Good Onya Geek

    Here's another alternative.:cool
    Dual SATA Hard Drive Docking Station
    http://www.redferret.net/?p=15560
    Wouldn’t be a week on the Ferret without something from Chinavasion. With this Dual SATA Hard Drive Docking Station, no longer will you be forced to choose between 2.5″ or 3.5″ external hard drive docks. Not only that but it has 2 drive bays, so you can duplicate hard drives, copy 2.5″ drives to 3.5″ ones or whatever you like. The panels behind the drives can also be used to screw the hard drives into place to “prevent” tampering.
    See thumbnail. I have one, sold by Digitech.

    Bazza
     

    Attached Files:

    bigbazza, Sep 11, 2010
    #11
  12. bigbazza

    bigbazza R.I.P. 14/12/2011 - Good Onya Geek

    Google Search on Dual SATA Hard Drive Docking Station for lots more links. ;)

    Baz
     
    bigbazza, Sep 11, 2010
    #12

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