Can I transfer files from a dead computer?

Question

I just got a new computer, because my old one was completely screwed up to the point that it won't even turn on. I had a lot of music on my iTunes on the old one and I was wondering if there was any way to get that onto my new computer without having to get my old one running again. Thanks.

Answer 1

You could install the hard drive from the old one as a 'slave' drive in the new system. It will require that you turn off the new computer, unplug it, open up the case, make sure you are grounded, make sure that the jumpers on the old drive are set correctly, install the cable from the old drive onto the motherboard, plug one of the power cables from the power supply into the old drive...

It might be easier to get yourself an 'enclosure'. Something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Aluminum-Drive-External-Enclosure/dp/B000E922SA/sr=8-6/qid=1170061105/ref=pd_bbs_6/103-0194525-0156679?ie=UTF8&s=electronics
Plugging it into your new computer via a USB port makes it a whole lot easier.

If your computer was dead because of a failed hard drive, it may be a lost cause for many of your files, but you may still be able to recover a significant number of them.