How to transfer files off a computer that won't power on

sammyfire2001 · Mar 3, 2012

So I bought a 13" mbp last week. My 13" white macbook that I bought in 2007 finally died. I would like to know if there is a way to extract the files from my old macbook and put them on an external drive? My problem is my old macbook won't power on. Is there a way around this?

harryb2448 · Mar 3, 2012

G'day and welcome to the forums.

Big ask however try removing the hard drive from the failed MB and pop in the external case, connect and boot and see if the drive is readable. File recovery is a very expensive process which is why most of us use backups. You might like to give Data Rescue 3 a go as it has a demo mode.

http://www.prosofteng.com/products/data_rescue.php

Shootist · Mar 3, 2012

You have to remove the drive from the old computer and connect it to the new computer with a SATA to USB adapter.

If the drive is still good and spins up you will be able to copy the files off it.

When you say the old system died does it not power on anymore, no lights no sounds/beeps of any kind?
If that is the case then the drive is probably still OK.

Something like this.

Newegg.com - Vantec 2.5"/3.5"/5.25" SATA/IDE to USB 2.0 Adapter - Model CB-ISATAU2

You could also get an enclosure but most of those don't have there own power supply, they are USB powered and sometime don't work correctly on notebooks.

sammyfire2001 · Mar 3, 2012

So the SATA to USB adapter will mount the old drive on my new computer so I can copy the files? That sounds pretty simple.

Yes, It doesn't power on. No sounds or lights.

Shootist said:
You have to remove the drive from the old computer and connect it to the new computer with a SATA to USB adapter.

If the drive is still good and spins up you will be able to copy the files off it.

When you say the old system died does it not power on anymore, no lights no sounds/beeps of any kind?
If that is the case then the drive is probably still OK.

Something like this.

Newegg.com - Vantec 2.5"/3.5"/5.25" SATA/IDE to USB 2.0 Adapter - Model CB-ISATAU2

You could also get an enclosure but most of those don't have there own power supply, they are USB powered and sometime don't work correctly on notebooks.

Shootist · Mar 3, 2012

Yeah other always suggest Enclosures but most of those that are for notebook size hard drives are powered by the USB connection, by the computers USB ports. Which does not always work as some notebook USB port don't put out enough power to run the drive properly.

With the adapter it has its own power supply.

Yes it is very simple once you remove the old drive from the old notebook. That is IF that drive is still working.

You can use the Adapter for many different styles and types of drive also. Even CD/DVD drives.

Good Luck.

How to transfer files off a computer that won't power on

sammyfire2001

harryb2448

Shootist

sammyfire2001

Shootist

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