So, your computer just died and the last time you backed up your hard drive data was ... well, never. Or thereabouts. Don't worry, you can still get your files off your hard drive even if your computer won't turn on. Yes, unless you've had some catastrophic accident that physically damaged the hard drive in your computer, you can still access that data. You just need a USB universal drive adapter and a different, functioning computer to plug your hard drive into.
1. Use a small screwdriver to remove the screws holding the cover on your computer. Slide the cover off. If you have a laptop, only remove the access panel on the bottom of your laptop.
2. Remove the hard drive. It'll be attached to the computer's motherboard with a thin ribbon cable and a small power cable. Carefully unplug them from the hard drive as you remove it. You'll know the hard drive when you see it because it has a manufacturing label that lists the drive's speed and capacity.
3. Plug the universal drive adapter into the hard drive's data connection port. A universal adapter comes with data connectors to fit any hard drive. Some hard drives require a Molex adapter to supply power to run the drive. Your kit comes with that adapter. Connect it to the hard drive if needed.
4. Connect the USB end of the universal drive adapter into any working computer. The drive will be recognized as an external hard drive, just like any flash drive or external USB drive you'd connect.
5. Double-click the drive icon on the desktop or open a Windows Explorer window if an external drive window doesn't automatically pop up when you plug the drive in. All your files will be listed in this external drive.
6. Drag and drop your files onto your desktop or into a folder on your computer. Access them just as you would if they were on a regular external hard drive.
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