Recover Data From A Dead Computer - Money Saving DIY

Save your computer files! Computer & device crashes run the risk of data loss; your files, pictures, videos and more can be gone in an instant. But you can often get them back by yourself. The methods shown in this video have saved me allot of money. Over the course of multiple device failures I have saved hundreds of dollars and recovered all of my "lost data" on my own. Every time after my first data recovery has been essentially FREE data recovery (I explain why below).

Devices can fail for a number of reasons that could still leave all of your data intact and available for recovery (ex. OS errors, overheating, CPU burnout, power supply failure, dust bunny overload, etc.). In these cases the approach in this video can help you get your data back.

Sections of this video include:
1. The problem (hard drive issues)
2. Getting to the old drive (removing from a computer)
3. What you'll need (the hardware needed to recover data from the drive)
4. Data Recovery DIY (steps for accessing the data)
5. Other uses & suggestions

The key is the use of a hard drive adapter that allows you to connect an internal hard drive directly to an available USB port. My drives have been primarily SATA (Serial ATA) drives so I picked an adapter that worked specifically for this kind of drive. NOTE: The first time I needed to do this my local Tech Support Pros wanted to charge me roughly $200 just to see if my data could be recovered (possible additional charges "may be required" to get my data removed). For $23 on Amazon I bought the Sabrent USB 3.0 to SATA/IDE Hard Drive Converter. This converter has all of the cables I need including power (model # USB-DSC9). Some extra features I like include:
- USB 3.0 connection (backwards compatible for 2.0 & 1.1)
- Hot-swappable, plug & play with no drivers required
- Works on Notebook 2.5" & Desktop 3.5" Serial ATA/SATA or IDE/PATA hard drives
- Works on multiple CD and DVD drives
- Even works for connecting your old Iomega Zip Drives
* In this video the computer I got the hard drive from had crashed and I forgot the password I had used when setting up owner permissions. You will see in the video how I used this adapter to reset those permissions to my new computer and access all of the content with just a few simple clicks of my mouse!

If you are feeling particularly comfortable with working on the internal components of a computer then there is another alternative: If your motherboard has another Serial ATA slot then you can connect the drive directly with a SATA interface cable and a power cable (no adapter required). Please note that you may need to make additional adjustments to access the drive in this manner including possible adjustments to your BIOS settings.

WARNING: in this video I am accessing a drive (and computer) that I am comfortable taking risks with, such as using in this project. For me this step was a last resort. So, proceed with caution and only use hardware that you are authorized to access and use. You are responsible for any and all issues that arise from use of this or similar devices or from following the directions provided within this video.
- When accessing the internal components of a computer make sure to ground yourself before you begin
- Exercise caution when handling computer components and be on the lookout for sharp edges
- Make sure that any adapter you use is designed for use with the specs of your drive and computer