Photo recovery: I had an old computer that I took out and kept the hard drive. My question is how can I recover photos stored on the hard drive. Confess to being less than adequate in...

fredfbk

I had an old computer that I took out and kept the hard drive. My question is how can I recover photos stored on the hard drive. Confess to being less than adequate in using a computer, Any answers or suggestions?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Could you have left it in the case and connected it as a second drive? You didn't say if the computer was a desktop or laptop.

I have an external USB drive dock that I can plug in up to two full size drives or little drives (laptop size).
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1466537-REG/owc_other_world_computing_owctcdrvdck_drive_dock_usb_3_1g2.html?sts=pi&pim=Y
Works very nicely!
I use it to do backups on internal drives.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

There are a couple of ways you can go. You don't mention what kind of computer, Windoze or Mac. However, either will have a solution. If a Windows machine, there may be a space internally to mount a second drive. Simply put the drive in question in that slot. You'll need a second cable to attach the drive to the motherboard. This may require a computer tech to do, considering your comment about you being less than adequate.

The other way to go, which is a bit simpler is to purchase an adapter. This will connect to your computer via a USB cable. Simply search google for

External harddrive adapter

That should provide you with several choices.
--Bob

fredfbk wrote:

I had an old computer that I took out and kept the hard drive. My question is how can I recover photos stored on the hard drive. Confess to being less than adequate in using a computer, Any answers or suggestions?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

rmalarz wrote:

There are a couple of ways you can go. You don't m... (show quote)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

That is a great suggestion. It's a non-denominational solution.
--Bob

Longshadow wrote:

Could you have left it in the case and connected it as a second drive? You didn't say if the computer was a desktop or laptop.

I have an external USB drive dock that I can plug in up to two full size drives or little drives (laptop size).
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1466537-REG/owc_other_world_computing_owctcdrvdck_drive_dock_usb_3_1g2.html?sts=pi&pim=Y
Works very nicely!
I use it to do backups on internal drives.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

rmalarz wrote:

That is a great suggestion. It's a non-denominational solution.
--Bob

Usually there is room for two hard drives in the drive cage.

I love the drive dock - I don't have to open the computer!

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I know what you mean about opening computers. I have 4 desktops running here and once a year, spring cleaning, I take them outside and compressed air blow the dust that collects inside. That is definitely my 'wear a mask' time.
--Bob

Longshadow wrote:

Usually there is room for two hard drives in the drive cage.

I love the drive dock - I don't have to open the computer!

delder Loc: Maryland

If you plan to continue using the drive (assuming it still works)
You can buy an external case/power supply for the drive that connects to your computer by USB. This will allow you to access the pictures as you need them.

Gatorcoach Loc: New Jersey

And, you can use it as a backup drive.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

If you don’t want to tackle it yourself, take it to a computer tech shop and they’ll do it for you.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Longshadow wrote:

Could you have left it in the case and connected it as a second drive? You didn't say if the computer was a desktop or laptop.

I have an external USB drive dock that I can plug in up to two full size drives or little drives (laptop size).
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1466537-REG/owc_other_world_computing_owctcdrvdck_drive_dock_usb_3_1g2.html?sts=pi&pim=Y
Works very nicely!
I use it to do backups on internal drives.

or, get a single case and put the drive in it, and use our as a USB drive.

Here's a quick change one for$25
Sabrent USB 3.0 to SATA External Hard Drive Lay-Flat Docking Station for 2.5 or 3.5in HDD, SSD [Support UASP] (EC-DFLT) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LS5NFQ2/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_AW0G3MC8KXV5ABAAYPRZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

And here a permanent for$12
SABRENT 2.5-Inch SATA to USB 3.0 Tool-Free External Hard Drive Enclosure [Optimized for SSD, Support UASP SATA III] Black (EC-UASP) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OJ3UJ2S/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_1JB0ZGV7KP2TNSDCYM4F?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This is what I use.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

frankraney wrote:

img src="https://static.uglyhedgehog.com/images/s... (show quote)

They work great for one or two drives.
(I have about five old internal drives I use. Popping them in and out of the drive dock is easy.)

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

The real question is: what type of drive is it (desktop or laptop?) and what is the interface? (SATA, PATA, SCSI). If in doubt, just post a photo of the drive showing the label and the connector.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

TriX wrote:

The real question is: what type of drive is it (desktop or laptop?) and what is the interface? (SATA, PATA, SCSI). If in doubt, just post a photo of the drive showing the label and the connector.

(Details....

)
Anybody still have IDE???

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Longshadow wrote:

They work great for one or two drives.
(I have about five old internal drives I use. Popping them in and out of the drive dock is easy.)

it does....

Merry Christmas Bill.