Here’s how to access data from an old hard drive.
It will depend on the connection standard it uses.
it’s possible for you to connect a SATA drive by installing it on a desktop.
Micro-B SuperSpeed connector.Yanik88 / Getty Images
eSATA: This standard was found on some external hard drives from around 2000 to 2010.
Most new PCs don’t have an eSATA port, so you’ll need an eSATA-to-USB adapter.
FireWire: This standard was favored by Apple from 1999 to 2008 and used by some external hard drives.
Modern PCs will need a FireWire to USB adapter.
Older, larger external hard drives may also need to be connected to external power.
Wait for Windows to identify the hard drive.
This process may take several moments.
A notification will appear asking what you’d like to do with the hard drive.
SelectOpen folder to view files.
How Do I Transfer Files From an Old Hard Drive to a New Computer?
Your old hard drive will contain driver and configuration data specific to the other PC.
Attempting to boot from that drive on a new PC may cause it to crash.
Is It Safe to Access an Old Hard Drive on a New PC?
Yes, it’s generally safe to access an old hard drive on a new PC.
However, malware found on an old hard drive will be programmed to take advantage of an older machine.
The malware may rely on exploits that are now patched or no longer relevant.
Old malware is more likely to be identified by your machine’santivirus softwarethan a newer threat.
FAQ
Use it as anexternal storage drive, or dispose of it properly.
You cansell or recycle your old computer parts.
Don’t throw it in the trash, as the metals can damage the environment.
To completelywipe your hard drive, it’s best to use a free data destruction program like PCDiskEraser.
Secure the new drive where the old one was before and then reconnect the same power and data cables.
