Can i still remove my files on my computer if it breaks down?

Question

I was just using my computer and the screen locks when i am on the internet. I have thousands of dollars in software on my computer. If the computer doesn't work, can i still transfer my files from my old computer to the new one? How? The computer is 1.75 years old. no warranty. It wouldn't restart until after 10 times of messing with it. i left the computer in the car. it small drops of ice(on the keyboard letters) turn to water when i brought it in from the cold.

Answer 1

this is pretty simple job. You can remove the hard drive and mount it in another machines. They have adapters to mount laptop hard drives as ide hard drives. Once it's mounted in another machine you can mount the partitions and get all your data off. If you don't know what you are doing you may want to get help.

Answer 2

If the data is priceless. Leave the computer off, remove all power sources and take the unit to a reputable local technician to remove the drive, dry it if needed then retrieve the data off of it. (hour labour usually)

If you want to take a chance. Turn the computer off, remove all devices, cards, addons, power sources(battery & ac). Remove any modular devices and anything else so that you have a barebones notebook. Now elevate the unit so it had good airflow and let leave it there for two days or more. Try to power it on again. It might power back up once completely dried. Though you will still want to worry about the integrity on the unit. corrosion etc.

If the drive itself by fluke became wet and damaged where even a local tech cannot retrieve data due to the drive not mechanically working, then you wold have to consult with a data recovery specialist. (pricey)

Answer 3

Hi. Allow the machine to dry very well, perhaps in a warm place with a fan blowing on it. The data on the hard drive can be recovered by connecting it to another machine.