Photo retrieval from a dead computer, is it possible?
Jan 27, 2015 22:35:57 #
My husband has an older (5yrs) Toshiba laptop. He normally keeps it plugged in, so the charge is full. Without plugging in, it only lasts about 2-3 hours.
It seems that either there has been a problem with the charging unit, or with the computer, as he received a message that the battery was low, and it needed charging. So, after checking to be sure everything was plugged in, and the outlet was hot, he continued using the laptop. Obviously, it was not receiving a charge, and automatically shut off. Now it's dead, and won't turn on or charge at all.
My question is this: When we buy a new computer, (definitely a Macbook Pro) will they be able to retrieve the pictures from Lightroom 5 that he had on the Toshiba, even though it's dead?
It seems that either there has been a problem with the charging unit, or with the computer, as he received a message that the battery was low, and it needed charging. So, after checking to be sure everything was plugged in, and the outlet was hot, he continued using the laptop. Obviously, it was not receiving a charge, and automatically shut off. Now it's dead, and won't turn on or charge at all.
My question is this: When we buy a new computer, (definitely a Macbook Pro) will they be able to retrieve the pictures from Lightroom 5 that he had on the Toshiba, even though it's dead?
Jan 27, 2015 22:41:32 #
Jan 27, 2015 22:44:02 #
They probably won't be willing to extract the drive and put it in a dock connected to the new computer but you certainly could. Try Newegg or someone similar and get a hard drive dock with a USB connector. It should be possible to find one there or perhaps on Amazon such as this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153066
It should come with a suitable cable included.
You'll need to remove the drive from your old computer - or get someone to do this for you.
To use the new dock plug it in to your new computer and then simply insert the old hard drive. The new computer should now see this as another drive.
If you want to remove it remember to 'Eject' it before pulling it out of the dock or simply shut down the computer and then remove it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153066
It should come with a suitable cable included.
You'll need to remove the drive from your old computer - or get someone to do this for you.
To use the new dock plug it in to your new computer and then simply insert the old hard drive. The new computer should now see this as another drive.
If you want to remove it remember to 'Eject' it before pulling it out of the dock or simply shut down the computer and then remove it.
Jan 27, 2015 22:44:56 #
I had such problem with my laptop. Try to check your charging unit. If charging unit is good most likely it is issue with motherboard. To fix it costs aproximately $200.
LaurenT wrote:
My husband has an older (5yrs) Toshiba laptop. He... (show quote)
Jan 27, 2015 22:46:41 #
Unh, why don't you get a new battery for it?
Toshiba Batteries on Amazon.
Damn sight cheaper than an Apple.
Toshiba Batteries on Amazon.
Damn sight cheaper than an Apple.
Jan 27, 2015 22:46:42 #
Depends on WHO you buy the Macbook Pro from, and IF they can technically do the recovery of the files from the Toshiba. In most cases the hard drive can be removed from the Toshiba and attached to a cable that has a connector for the hard drive on one end, and a USB connector on the other.
Then just scan the hard drive and copy any files over to the new laptop. It's just a matter of locating the files.
I think that Best Buy Geek Squad and the Apple store can do this for you.
Bear in mind that the Lightroom adjustments will be lost unless you are able to locate the catalog and copy it over as well.
Good luck!
Then just scan the hard drive and copy any files over to the new laptop. It's just a matter of locating the files.
I think that Best Buy Geek Squad and the Apple store can do this for you.
Bear in mind that the Lightroom adjustments will be lost unless you are able to locate the catalog and copy it over as well.
Good luck!
Jan 27, 2015 22:48:07 #
LaurenT wrote:
My husband has an older (5yrs) Toshiba laptop. He... (show quote)
It depends upon whether the hard drive can still work. It is possible to pull out the hard drive and with proper adapters, plug it into another computer. I don't know how easy or hard it is to do on a Macbook Pro, but on a Windows PC, it's certainly possible to do.
I did this with one hard drive in which I bought a small box that the hard drive plugged into and it converted the connection to USB so it could be plugged into a PC and I was able to copy files.
What you will need to know is what kind of interface the current hard drive is. Or perhaps you need to visit a PC Repair shop and see if they have the means to do this. You would need to bring along a portable USB drive to copy the contents onto. The hard drive would be pulled from the old laptop and with the proper adapter, the contents could be read. -- That is if the old hard drive is able to function.
Jan 27, 2015 22:51:26 #
rob s wrote:
They probably won't be willing to extract the driv... (show quote)
Thank you so much Rob. I am getting ready to leave for a short trip, however, when I return I'll buy the drive reader and give it a try. I haven't had too much experience tearing apart computers, but, hopefully, I'll figure it out. I did manage to add memory to my Mac a few years ago, so now I feel like Miss Computer Tech. :lol:
Jan 27, 2015 23:01:44 #
I had the same problem with an old Dell Inspiron. The power jack failed, the battery ran down, the computer died. Since I really didn't need it, I choose not to have it repaired. Would have cost less than $100. Since yours is 5 years old, a newer computer would probably be in order.
I found some YouTube videos, removed the Dell's HD, bought a $10 case for it, and plugged it into my iMac. Mounted like any other drive. There were only a couple of files worth saving, lol!.
If you are handy, you can do this as well and retrieve your images or have a computer repair place remove it for minimal cost.
Good luck!
I found some YouTube videos, removed the Dell's HD, bought a $10 case for it, and plugged it into my iMac. Mounted like any other drive. There were only a couple of files worth saving, lol!.
If you are handy, you can do this as well and retrieve your images or have a computer repair place remove it for minimal cost.
Good luck!
Jan 27, 2015 23:03:22 #
LaurenT wrote:
Thank you so much Rob. I am getting ready to leave for a short trip, however, when I return I'll buy the drive reader and give it a try. I haven't had too much experience tearing apart computers, but, hopefully, I'll figure it out. I did manage to add memory to my Mac a few years ago, so now I feel like Miss Computer Tech. :lol:
I have one of those Thermaltake Enclosures that Rob posted the link for. They are quite nice and not only be used to recover your Toshiba drive, but can be used as a external backup device as well. Once you recover all the files from the drive, just format the drive and then you can use it for a backup of your files!
Jan 27, 2015 23:11:03 #
SonnyE wrote:
Unh, why don't you get a new battery for it?
Toshiba Batteries on Amazon.
Damn sight cheaper than an Apple.
Toshiba Batteries on Amazon.
Damn sight cheaper than an Apple.
Sonny, you are absolutely right!!!!
However, truth be told, I HATE that computer. Mainly because I only use Mac, and my husband (who didn't want to learn anything new, or spend the $$ for a Mac) has the PC. Here is the problem, he knows NOTHING about computers, other than how to turn it on. Not to mention he gets frustrated when things "just disappear" or he can't find something. It wasn't so bad when he was using Windows 7, because I knew Windows 7 very well, and could help. Since he got this laptop with Windows 8, it has been hell. I don't understand Windows 8 or 8.1, and he is clueless. Many a frustrating evening here.
So, to me, this is a blessing. Unfortunately, my husband is going to HAVE to learn a new system, but I will sign him up for all the Apple classes (ha, ha) AND, I can help him. He already has an iPhone 6 and and iPad, so I'm optimistic that the OS on the Mac won't be too much of a stretch for him. Heaven knows, I'm happy dancing all over the house. :-D
Jan 27, 2015 23:20:44 #
LaurenT wrote:
My husband has an older (5yrs) Toshiba laptop. He... (show quote)
From your description, it sounds like the power supply (charging unit) died and the battery ran down until the computer shut off. Perhaps you should test the power supply to see if it is outputting voltage - if not, replace it and you should be OK (the Geeks at Best Buy or other computer store should be able to test it for you). If not the power supply then following recommendations in prior posts is in order.
Jan 27, 2015 23:35:50 #
Jan 27, 2015 23:50:20 #
First thing to check with all electronics - power.
Is it plugged in - check the charging unit wires - some of them have the power cables that plug into the transformer - if one is loose, it would stop charging.
My Toshiba will run with no battery installed - it runs fine with just the power unit. So I doubt if you're battery is bad - I could be wrong, but I would check with Toshiba support on it before I purchased anything.
Is it plugged in - check the charging unit wires - some of them have the power cables that plug into the transformer - if one is loose, it would stop charging.
My Toshiba will run with no battery installed - it runs fine with just the power unit. So I doubt if you're battery is bad - I could be wrong, but I would check with Toshiba support on it before I purchased anything.
Jan 27, 2015 23:52:29 #
Same thing happened to my laptop. I bought a new battery (they don't last forever) and everything is fine. Most laptops will not run if the battery is stone cold dead to prevent damaging the laptop. You should be able to find a battery for around the $50 mark.
Hubby should be so happy he will spring for your new Mac. :D
Hubby should be so happy he will spring for your new Mac. :D
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