connecting used HD to my PC.

[worldpease]

I don´t know exactly how to put it on the title,
but the thing is that a relative of mine has a computer that just doesn´t work, I think it won´t star up or something, so she asked me if I could make a back up of some files and stuff, connecting her Hard Drive to my PC,
just in case the guys that she hast to take the PC to, erase everything.

So I have never done this, and Im afraid I´ll end up frying her HD (as I´ve been known for doing before ).
Or do I need to have drivers or something for her HD too?

[Snee]

What kind of HD is it?

If it's an IDE-drive, make sure you have the jumpers set right.

Normally you shouldn't have any need for new drivers, but do give us some more information about exactly what type of hd it is, and throw in telling us about the operating system.

If you have Win98, or something earlier, you may need drivers if it's an usb-drive, for instance.

EDit: and if your hardware is really old, and her drive is really big, that may be a problem as well.

[khurios2000]

I don´t know exactly how to put it on the title,
but the thing is that a relative of mine has a computer that just doesn´t work, I think it won´t star up or something, so she asked me if I could make a back up of some files and stuff, connecting her Hard Drive to my PC,
just in case the guys that she hast to take the PC to, erase everything.

So I have never done this, and Im afraid I´ll end up frying her HD (as I´ve been known for doing before ).
Or do I need to have drivers or something for her HD too?

dont think drivers needed.. IMO

[clocker]

If you have Win98, or something earlier, you may need drivers if it's an usb-drive, for instance.

If this is the case then HE needs more help than his relative.

[Snee]

True dat, but I'm just covering all t'bases

[clocker]

Which is always a good idea.

[Mïcrösöül°V³]

just set the jumper to "slave" and plug it into the same IDE cable that your main drive is plugged into, and if thats a problem because you dont have a 2 drive IDE, then get one.

If that dont work, then check your main drives jumper and make sure it is set to "master" or "master with slave present" and NOT "cable select"

piece of cake and whatnot

[worldpease]

just set the jumper to "slave" and plug it into the same IDE cable that your main drive is plugged into, and if thats a problem because you dont have a 2 drive IDE, then get one.

If that dont work, then check your main drives jumper and make sure it is set to "master" or "master with slave present" and NOT "cable select"

piece of cake and whatnot

Yeah, I just was told something like that,
it seems fairly simple, but I was also told: what if there is a virus in that HD?
damn it, not that I think about it I'm not sure I want to take a risk.
I might desist any further attempt.

[Mïcrösöül°V³]

well, if you have AV on your system, you shouldnt have a worry, unless the virus is an actual chainsaw or giant magnet

[peat moss]

Sometimes what I do is lay my case on its side unplug the power first , unplug your HDD , plug hers in and burn the files or folders she needs . Just put her HDD on a piece of cardboard or book and viola .


Pics here : http://www.waterwheel.com/Guides/how...tic_drives.htm