HDD failing - can I still get files off the drive ?

Had a recent previous thread where my bios post would freeze at F2 or Del screen for options. (cant get by innitial bios start screen - Windows 10 Forums)

Turns out the HHD that was failing (my storage drive) was the culprit - when I disconnect it the system posts and starts normally...when reconnected I get the post freeze at press F2 key...etc.

Now the problem is how can I recover the files on that drive ? Do I have to take it into a Computer/Drive repair shop - or is it possible somehow to access that drive either in Windows (cant get by the post tho) or outside of windows in some way ?

Really need to get access into drive if possible - is there software or anything I can do to get the files off the problem drive ? Don't care about the physical drive...but really need to recover as many of the files on it that I can.

Any suggestions or methods will be greatly appreciated...at work now but will post back make/model/size of drive, etc. Have multiple images of my main Windows drive - but don't have a backup of this current drive (was/is E: drive).

Thanks...TiminAz

I put such drives in a USB case and boot to a Linux Mint 18 LiveDVD to access and copy files to a second drive.
Or I will use a device such as shown here:
Amazon.com: Vantec CB-ISATAU2 SATA/IDE to USB 2.0 Adapter Supports 2.5-Inch, 3.5-Inch, 5.25-Inch Hard Disk Drives (Black): Electronics


What I've been using the last several months is a USB box that I can plug 2 x 3.5" SATA drives in, 2 x 2.5" SATA drivers or a combination of the 2.
Amazon.com: Thermaltake BlacX Duet eSATA USB Dual Hard Drives Docking Station ST0014U: Electronics
Granted, it may not be the most cost-effective for a one-time use but I tend to use it at least once a week.

Here's a much cheaper solution:
Amazon.com: USB 2.0 to IDE/SATA Cable for 2.5-Inch/ 3.5-Inch / 5.25-Inch Drive with Power Adapter: Computers Accessories

Thanks guys...please excuse that I'm a little slow on the procedure here...if I go with one of these...what exactly is the procedure ? Since I have to have the problem HDD disconnected to get windows to start...can I then 'hot connect' the problem drive while Windows is running and one of these is installed and running on the PC ?

Not to much info on use on either Amazon product link...any step by step 'tutorials' out there for using these in my situation with an HDD that is power off/disconnected at windows boot time ??

Any instructions or videos out there for this procedure ? Saw no links for same on either Amazon page.

TiminAz

Hi,

Since I have to have the problem HDD disconnected to get windows to start...can I then 'hot connect' the problem drive while Windows is running and one of these is installed and running on the PC ?

These convertors are very straightforward. You've got the PSU and the connectors for SATA disks (both 3.5" and 2.5").
Just hook the disk up, plug the power cord in and with Windows running plug the USB cable into a free USB port.
Windows will recognize it and install driver and drive letter.
You can now start to use that drive provided it's in a usable state.

Cheers,

fdegrove said:

....Just hook the disk up, plug the power cord in and with Windows running plug the USB cable into a free USB port.....

So to confirm...there are no issues in connecting/disconnection any Sata Hard Drive (other than boot drive) in the box with the machine/power on and Windows running ? For non boot drives....either power line and/or drive connector can be plugged or unplugged with the system running without issues ?

With the problem drive connected at boot....Windows does not boot

TiminAz

Hi,

So to confirm...there are no issues in connecting/disconnection any Sata Hard Drive (other than boot drive) in the box with the machine/power on and Windows running ?

Yep. Treat like any other external USB drive, plug in and eject when done.

Cheers,