Help needed with an old HDD

[MikeV]

Ok, so here’s my problem i have an old hard drive from a computer that died long ago, its a Maxtor Diamondmax Plus 8 40Gb ATA 133, ultimately I want to get these files onto my laptop thats running vista but i got my hands on an old desktop PC that’s running XP pro Service pack 2. This has a Hitachi Deskstar 40Gb HDD. Need more info?...

How would I get my files from this old hard drive to the desktop computer or even the laptop? Also the old HDD already has XP Pro and is password protected would this cause any problems? The desktop Pc has nothing i need on it so i'll take any suggestions..

I have No idea which wires go where so a detailed explanation or a link to an article would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[cohenx]

You have 2 common options to do this:

Option #1: Organize an external IDE(ATA) to USB case and connect it via USB interface to the Laptop or the desktop PC. When you do this, please check the USB case manual for information on jumper settings of the inserted HDD (maybe you have set it so slave).

Option #2: Bit more complicated, but you don't have to organize any additional hardware. Jumper your Maxtor to Slave [Pins on backside of your HDD >> Maxtor Diamond Plus8 Jumper Settings (Master/Slave). Open the case of your old desktop PC and add your Maxtor to the IDE Cable, on which the Hitachi Deskstar is also added >> IDE Cable connected with both devices

Now boot your PC and check what comes out. If you have any problems with protected folders on your maxtor, please let me know.