computer dummy

destination09

I apologize in advance for my computer illiteracy.  I have an old computer (just the hard drive at this point) with some old school files I need to get access to before comprehensive exams in May.  I have no clue where to start, and don't really want to go to best buy because they tend to overcharge (IMHO) for everything.  Any suggestions where to start?  I live in NW suburbs.

Oh, I should probably mention the computer crashed, which is why I bought a new one, but now I am realizing I really need some of those files.

TIA for any help you can provide a computer dummy

Sue/Mike

Does your work have an IT guy handy? 

My H is the "fix it" IT guy for his company and occasionally brings home coworkers personal computers to fix.  Since it off company time, no one seems to mind.  And he charges a fair price.

I would check there first...

destination09

I wish.  Unfortunatley I am a full time doctoral student in addition to doing a 20 hr a week practicum training experience, so I am not employed at this time.  Can I borrow your husband

Actually, I think my mom has mentioned a person at her work that may do some of these things.  I'll check with her.  This could be kinda inconvenient, but worth a shot

Ladies: I'm still open to suggestions!

MelindaMG

Have you tried Googling? There are numerous tutorials on how to do it.

wittyschaffy

I've had good luck with that type of stuff from the folks at General NanoSystems on University.

destination09

MelindaMG:

Have you tried Googling? There are numerous tutorials on how to do it.

I'm sure this is great for someone who knows some of the lingo, but I just don't.  I wish I did...

destination09

wittyschaffy:

I've had good luck with that type of stuff from the folks at General NanoSystems on University.

Any idea how their pricing is?

Sue/Mike

I asked the H, he said to ask you where you are actually (maybe he will help!)  PM me you're location or email if you're interested.

wittyschaffy

If they just install it as a subordinate drive to your main one, I think it would be pretty inexpensive since they basically just plug it in and do the basic programming so your computer knows which one to read.  You could maybe even try to do the external hard drive route with it in which case it'd just be a case to buy.  We paid about $150 for a new hard drive and USB case for ours maybe a year ago and yours would obviously be less since you already have the drive.  It doesn't cost anything to talk over your options though. 

destination09

Thanks for the responses ladies!  I've got a call out to my mom to see about her guy.  I just don't feel capable of embarking on such a project independently.  I really need those files and there is no room for failure

Breezy8407

I go to MicroCenter on Hwy. 100 and 36th in St. Louis Park. I had a laptop crash on me and they were able to get the hard drive accessible. I have had much better customer service and success there vs. Best Buy.

Also, if I understand right you just want to get into the hard drive, right? You can buy hard drive housing cases that will turn the old hard drive into a portable hard drive. I also bought one of these at Micro Center.

To get the old hard drive out I would google it and your particular computer. If you open your computer tower it should be easy to remove with a screwdriver.

Sue/Mike

destination09:

Thanks for the responses ladies!  I've got a call out to my mom to see about her guy.  I just don't feel capable of embarking on such a project independently.  I really need those files and there is no room for failure

Did you get your files?