Another question for computer geeks

trilinearmipmap · #1 06-16-2005, 06:18 PM

My old computer died a month or two ago and has been sitting gathering dust, I want to know how to retrieve some of the files from its hard disk.

It is a Pentium II 450 MHz computer with Windows 98. Basically it died due to a Windows problem (Windows 98 updated and after that the computer would not start up properly, starts to boot up and then the computer freezes).

Instead of wasting money fixing the problem I just bought a new computer.

However there are a few text files and photographs on the old computer that I would like to retrieve.

Any idea how I can boot up the computer somehow to get access to the hard drive in order to get retrieve these files?

AJ_77 · #2 06-16-2005, 06:28 PM

Try removing the old drive, and hooking it up to the new computer as a slave (change the jumper pin on the back), and just get the files off of it that you need - copy them over in Windows Explorer. I've moved several drives this way - then if you don't need the OS anymore, delete the Windows folder and use the extra HDD for storage (assuming all things are compatible).

trilinearmipmap · #3 06-16-2005, 06:45 PM

Thanks.

Any links to tell me how to do this?

BMW Rider · #4 06-16-2005, 07:10 PM

You could also try booting it in "safe mode" . I believe that holding the F8 key when its booting will give you the boot options menu from which you can select it. It will then boot up the computer with minimal drivers and background functions running. This should allow you to find the files and copy them to a disk. Alternatively, you may be able to remove the offending update using this mode and have the computer work as before.

AJ_77 · #5 06-16-2005, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trilinearmipmap

Thanks.

Any links to tell me how to do this?

Sorry - I forgot that not everybody takes apart their computers and puts them back together.

Best option for DIY - take it to a friend's house that likes this sort of thing, and have him/her swap out your hard drive.

Or try Ed's idea above, might be a little less involved...

I mean, if you get it to work you have a nifty second computer for the kids.

Gujustud · #6 06-16-2005, 08:29 PM

Agree with AJ, if the safe mode boot up doesn't work, see if you know someone who can put the HD in your new computer. It should only take 5-10 mins at tops, and you'll be able to access the whole HD.

trilinearmipmap · #7 06-16-2005, 10:49 PM

Thanks for all the advice and help.

adidas · #8 06-17-2005, 12:27 AM

just re-install win98 on the pc.