Resolved How to get data from dead computer

Can I buy a used laptop and put the hardrive I removed into i iand use it? My new one will not be here until Sept and I need my data now, I do not want to transfwe my data to the used computer. Is there an easier way than I'm thinking?

 

It depends on how you are using the word, "data ". If by "data ", you mean programs, the answer is no. You cannot transfer programs from that hard disk into another computer. Programs must be installed from their original installation disks.

Example: You can copy a Microsoft Word document you typed into another computer; but, you cannot view or edit that Microsoft Word document until you install the Microsoft Word program into the destination computer from its original installation disk.

 

I think I confused you with my question but I think I already know the anwser.What I wqnted to do was replace the hard drive in the used computer with the hard drive from my old computer and it would be good to go with out transferring anyyhing. I don't think I can do that, can I?

 

Not to be short; but, it is already detailed in paragraph 2 of post 16 above.

 

Alex, I'm having issues getting my passwords set up in the used computer. have done this before without having this much trouble. Here are the directions
Backup and Restore

Backing up and restoring RoboForm User Data is just copying files. You can do it yourself or RoboForm can do it for you.

Backup User Data.
- In "RoboForm -> Options -> User Data" click "Backup" button.
- Select a folder to which you want to backup (copy) your Passcards and Identities.
- RoboForm will erase all files in the destination folder and then
- RoboForm will copy your user data files to the destination folder.

Or you can use Windows Explorer to copy all files from RoboForm User Data folder to backup folder.

Restore User Data.
In "RoboForm -> Options -> User Data" click "Restore" button.
- Select a folder from which you want to restore (copy) your Passcards and Identities.
- RoboForm will erase all files in current User Data folder and then
- RoboForm will copy your RoboForm data files from restore folder to User Data folder.

Or you can use Windows Explorer to copy all files from your backup device to User Data folder.

Copy from Computer A to Computer B.
- Backup data from Computer A to a backup device/volume such as floppy disk.
- Insert this device/volume into Computer B.
- Restore RoboForm files from backup device.

Or you can use Windows Explorer to copy all files directly from one computer to another.

Refresh after Restore.
If you restore your RoboForm Passcard and Identity files by copying them to the "My RoboForm Data" folder using Windows Explorer or any other file copy program, then you must ask RoboForm to re-read the files after the copy, because RoboForm does not knowhod that files have been updated.
Select RoboForm -> Profiles -> Refresh Folder to make RoboForm re-read all user files.
I used the Internet Explorer the last time.
You can view the program at http://www.roboform.com/

 

Sorry, I know nothing about RoboForm and I'm currently getting several business systems ready for delivery back to the customers.

Perhaps you should post your RoboForm question in the "Other Software" forum as this isn't really a question about data recovery from a dead computer.

 

Thanks, I did you suggested

 

computer completly died, hard drive removed. inside a complete mess, going to junk

 

If I may add a few words of caution about using air compressors. I personally think 100psi is a bit high for blasting electronics and would recommend 80psi. But that's a minor quibble and with care, and a bit more distance between nozzle and target, 100psi is fine.

My real concern comes from moisture, iron-oxide (rust) particulates, and oil (unless specifically using an "oilless" compressor - hopefully the case for electronics), that ARE spewed forth from ALL air compressors. There is NO way to prevent these contaminates as moisture from the air, and heat from friction created by the compression process is pumped into compressor's air holding tank during the compression process. When the air cools, it condenses on the inside walls of the tank and rust forms, then runs down and pools at the bottom of tank. When blasting, contaminates can be whisked up in the high pressure turbulence inside the tank and sent out the hose.

Spewing rusty water onto electronics is never a good idea.

There is an easy solution, however. (1) Always use an oilless compressor for electronics (and if you air brush cakes, or are a dentist!), (2) Drain the tank of condensation regularly. All compressors have a pitcock valve at the bottom to drain the accumulated water, and most importantly (3), ALWAYS use an inline moisture and contaminate filter on the hose. They start at less than $20 and look similar to this:

 

Thanks for your advice but I am not brave enough to do any of these rhise things.

 

There's no shame in taking it to a trusted shop.

 

If you saw the inside of this computer, it would cost me more tham it's worth. If i had a knowageable to help, i might try.

 

We're here to answer questions and help guide folks through tasks. I assure you, I have probably seen worse case interiors - unless you live with 10 cats and smoke like a chimney around your computer.

 

thanks for your offer of help and i would have liked the challenge of trying to clean the laptop but it's too late. wirhout my knowledge, my husband junked my laptop and i am not a happy about it. but when your personal property isn't respected, there is not much you can do about it.

 

Then I guess it is time for a new one. Good luck.

 

The guy who first pulled me on to do part time on-site work told me his personal horror story of going to a site, to identify why a computer wasn't working, and found an active roach nest inside of it.

 

Meaning Husband.

 

A buggy computer, huh?

 

I'm enjoying my new computer except for adjusting to vista.

 

how do I transfer from my old drive to my new computer? I've done this before with XP but nothings easy with Vista.