File Tranfer Help

Bpwinge,

Yes.  Assuming the motherboard is defective and not the hard drive itself, it is fairly easy to transfer the data from the old unit to the new unit.

Yes.  This is something you can do yourself.

First off, we need to know the make and model of the defective laptop.  The reason is quite simple.  We need to determine if the laptop is a SATA or IDE drive.   You can purchase a fairly inexpensive drive enclosure with USB interface, install the hard drive in the enclosure, connect it to the new laptop or desktop, and transfer the data files.

For example, some external USB drive enclosures are shown here:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&SubCategory=92&N=2000090092

Note that the enclosures specify whether the internal connector is IDE or SATA.

Hope this info helps.

Tony

Brian,

The Inspiron 5150 uses an Ultra ATA/100 controller which means the drive is a PATA (Parallel ATA) which is often referred to as an IDE drive.

The Masscool UE211 or UE210 models found here should work just fine:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=USB+drive+enclosure+for+ATA+drive

In fact, I need to order another one for my bench.  I may just order one of these tonight.

Removal of the 5150 hard drive is described here:  http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins5100/en/sm/hdd.htm#1105710

Be sure to remove the battery and AC adapter before removing the hard drive.  Been there, done that.  OOPS!

Tony

Tony

 Thanks for the note -  The system in question is a Dell Inspiron 5150.  Let me know if it is a IDE or SATA.  Do you have a recommendation on an external USB drive enclosure?  Thanks again

Brian

Most external 3.5" enclosures do... but make sure whatever one you order Brian, is supplied with its own AC adapter - rather than being powered through a USB port :emotion-55: