Hard drives store media files, programs and operating systems.
A non-working computer can cause panic in the user: there are hundreds of important files on your computer, and now you can't even turn on the machine. Luckily, if the problem is a bad motherboard, your data is safe. Since the information is stored on a hard drive, bad motherboards won't affect the state of your files. Luckily, you can extract all files from your hard drive despite the fact that your computer no longer works.
Instructions
1. Unplug the computer that has the bad motherboard. Remove all cords and cables connected to the computer case. Place the hard drive on a hard, level surface. Unscrew the case cover from the computer chassis. Set aside all screws if you want to replace them later.
2. Remove the hard drive from the case. Depending on your computer, you may need to unscrew it from the case using a screwdriver. Once removed, disconnect the cables that go from the hard drive to the bad motherboard. Pull the cable firmly away from the motherboard so it comes away evenly without bending any pins. Set the rest of the computer parts aside. You won't need them from here on.
3. Buy a hard drive caddy from an electronics store. Pick a caddy that works with your hard drive's brand and type. If you're unsure which to buy, tell a salesperson the make and model of your hard drive and ask for their assistance in finding a caddy. Insert your internal hard drive into the hard drive caddy based on the instructions that came with the caddy, ensuring that all hard drive cables are firmly inserted in the caddy.
4. Plug one end of the included USB cable into the hard drive caddy and the other end into a second working computer. This computer can be either a desktop or a laptop, but needs to be in working order.
5. Go to "My Computer" from the Start menu in the second computer. Double click the icon for your old hard drive. Here, you'll find all of the files that you had stored on your old computer. Drag files you want to save into a folder on the hard drive of the second computer. To back up files further, burn them onto blank CDs or DVDs.
Tags: hard drive, your computer, your hard, your hard drive, drive caddy, hard drive caddy