How to Retrieve Files from a Damaged Laptop [Complete Guide]

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How do I remove the hard drive from a laptop if it won't turn on?

If your laptop is no longer functional and you plan on getting rid of it, are you unable to remove the hard drive from your dead laptop? There is a risk involved here because anyone who gets their hands on your computer data could potentially recover it if the hard drive is still working. This is why it's important to retrieve all your data before handing over the hardware. This guide will share how to recover data from a hard drive whether it's damaged or not.

The best way to deal with such situations is to seek professional help. Tools like the Data Recovery Service can assist you. If you can't remove the drive, you can use it to recover your files. The service offers a one-on-one manual recovery service that's suitable for any user.

What to Do If Your Laptop Won't Turn On

What if the laptop is damaged, but the hard drive is intact?

A frozen laptop might seem like a tough nut to crack, but it can really prevent you from accessing it altogether. From hardware issues to software ones, there are many reasons that can lead to your laptop freezing. If your hard drive is fine but won't boot, we have a full solution for you to deal with the issue of a frozen laptop due to software malfunction and not hardware problems.

But before you proceed, you need to make sure that the drive is not at fault. Since most laptop users aren't tech-savvy, we've listed the checks that you can perform to identify the problem. Some of these checks require you to connect the drive to another PC using a USB adapter.

Step 1: Each laptop has a partition that contains the hard drive. You can check the drive letter here to verify that the hard drive is okay.

Step 2: You can browse the different program files on this partition and check later if they are all intact. If they are and the folders are easily accessible, then your hard drive is in good condition.

Step 3: Listen to the hard drive while it's in use. If you don't hear anything, it's probably not the hard drive.

Fourth, use an OEM utility to check the drive's health. These provide more information, including bad sectors and the amount of read/write cycles that the storage has undergone.

Since the hard drive passes the test, we can rule out any hardware issues. The problem must be with the software. In this case, we recommend that the user remove the hard drive from the laptop and attempt data recovery on another accessible machine. You can proceed to the next section to directly access files, programs, and settings from the hard drive.

How can I retrieve files from a damaged laptop?

Now, retrieving files from a damaged laptop is no more magic. It's just a simple technical process that can be accomplished quickly with a few clicks. To successfully extract files from a damaged laptop, you can try using the “Data Rescue” feature of the Todo PCTrans tool.

Todo PCTrans is a professionally designed software that aims to facilitate the data recovery process. It's user-friendly and can be easily utilized by both professionals and amateurs. Todo PCTrans is an excellent tool for completely restoring files and programs from unbootable desktops or laptops. It's also your best choice for transferring files from one computer to another, whether it's moving them from a PC to a PC via Ethernet (Transfer Files from PC to PC Over Ethernet) or otherwise. The entire process goes smoothly, as it allows the transfer of data from an old hard drive to a new one.

To successfully recover data from a damaged laptop, the first step is to remove the hard drive. If you're unsure how to proceed, follow these steps carefully: 1. Shut down the laptop: Make sure the laptop is completely turned off and disconnected from any power source, including removing the power adapter and battery, to avoid any risk of electrical shock. 2. Gather tools: You may need a screwdriver and other small tools to open the laptop's casing. 3. Locate the hard drive: Consult your laptop's user manual or search online for your specific model to find the exact position of the hard drive. It's usually located at the bottom of the laptop and sometimes requires removing a panel for access. 4. Remove securing screws: Unscrew and detach all screws holding the hard drive in place. Be careful not to lose them. 5. Disconnect cables: Gently disconnect the data cable and power cable connected to the motherboard. These are typically flat connectors that need to be lifted and pulled out cautiously. 6. Remove the hard drive: Carefully take out the hard drive, avoiding excessive pressure, as hard drives are fragile. 7. Install in an external enclosure or adapter: Place the hard drive into an external enclosure or adapter designed for this purpose, allowing you to connect it to another computer via USB. 8. Data recovery: On another computer, connect the hard drive to a USB port and use data recovery software (such as Recuva, tools Data Recovery Wizard, etc.) to scan and retrieve files. 9. Save and backup: Once the data recovery is complete, save the files to a secure location and consider setting up regular backups to prevent future data loss. Keep in mind that if the hard drive has physical damage, professional data recovery services might be required. Handle the process delicately to avoid further damage.

Step 1: If your laptop is dead or damaged, the first thing you need to do is power it down. Since we're dealing with a laptop, that means removing the battery to disconnect it from its power source.

Step 2: Many laptops have a dedicated panel for accessing the hard drive. You may need to unscrew a few screws to open this panel.

Step three: With that done, you'll need to disconnect the drive from all of its cables.

Step 4: Now, take the hard drive out and connect it to another PC or laptop using the adapter. The adapter will have a USB port that plugs directly into a functioning computer or laptop.

Step 5: Once done, you can successfully use the Todo PCTrans tool to extract all your files.

This tool offers a straightforward process that requires only a few clicks to tip things in your favor. All you need to do is carefully follow the given instructions.

Step 1: Remove the hard drive from your old computer.

• Power down the computer and unplug it. Remove the battery if you're working with a laptop. • Open up the case of the old computer to access the hard drive. • Use a screwdriver to open the case and locate the hard drive. • Disconnect the drive and its cables, then remove the hard drive.

Step 2: Connect the hard drive to the new computer.

Multiple connectivity options:

1. USB hard drive enclosure: Use this special case to connect your old hard drive and plug it into your new computer via USB.
2. USB hard drive adapter: This is a “cable” that connects one end to the hard drive and the other end to a USB port on your new computer.
3. Desktop computer: If your new computer is a desktop, you can connect the old hard drive directly as a second internal drive.

Step 3: Restore/migrate apps, files, and accounts from the old disk.

1. Download and run the Todo PCTrans tool. Choose “Data Transfer” mode, then click “Start.”

2. Browse through the steps, then click “Scan.”

(Data Rescue 2 screenshot)

3. Make sure the hard drive is connected to your computer. Select the old hard drive you want to recover, then click “Continue.”

4. Choose the apps, files, and accounts you want to restore.

5. Wait a few seconds for the data to transfer.

Last Words

This is all about how to access files on a deceased laptop hard drive. Hopefully, you've already managed to retrieve all your files from the faulty laptop using Todo PCTrans. You can also use this tool to transfer files to a new computer.

We have tried to provide some different information regarding this annoying issue and help you judge if your hard drive is OK. When removing the hard drive from your laptop, please do it carefully as described above.