Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Geek Q: Retrieve Data From Old Notebook

Okay, this one's for the ladies... ;)

But seriously, I have a question for my geek betters: Best way to get data from the HDD of a deaddeaddead Toshiba notebook, given that I have another notebook, a desktop, a big external HDD. UPDATE: Also, assume I can't spend money or travel to solve this problem. Thanks!

I've built any number of desktop systems, but haven't dinked with notebooks in any meaningful way. However, I have a crazy idea. Maybe someone will come forth and say, "Yeah that might work," or "I have a better idea."

My crazy idea: Download the Linux distro that's bootable from a single CD (izzat Knoppix?). Set up the new notebook to boot from the CD. Pull HDD out of dead notebook, install in new notebook. Boot new notebook to Linux. Copy files from HDD to large external HDD. Reverse the internal HDD swap, and live a happy, productive life.

What say ye?
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11 comments :

Anonymous said...

Far, far more complicated that you need it to be.

Get an external USB Hard drive housing for 2.5" drives - they cost between $30 and $60.

Insert drive. Plug drive into USB port. Access drive.

Anonymous said...

Meander's right.

Pen Ultimate said...

Meander -- Oops. Well, let's assume I can't do that, due to lack of money and/or threat of arrest for driving on a suspended license. :)

The only other drawback I can see to my proposed solution is not having a needed Linux driver for the external USB drive...
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Anonymous said...

Meander -- Oops. Well, let's assume I can't do that, due to lack of money and/or threat of arrest for driving on a suspended license. :)


Well, I can't drive either :) -- so if you want, I'll send you the drive enclosure.

Anonymous said...

JP, If you want I can mail out a linux disk. This would be Kanotix, which is a tweaked version of Knoppix. Or I can send you a Knop disk, if that's what you'd prefer.
Doug

Pen Ultimate said...

Doug -- Thanks for the offer, but it sounds like more trouble than necessary. I should be able to download and burn a bootable CD, shouldn't I? I have net; I have burner. :)
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Anonymous said...

I'll send you a bit o' money....

Pen Ultimate said...

pg -- That's very kind, but probably not necessary. I think we've figured out a free way to get this ball rollin'. I'll post the elegant solution after I see if it's successful. ;)
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Anonymous said...

Well, if you don't want to spend it on computer stuff, you can go back to the store and spend time "shopping", i.e. looking for your new friend, or buy a bunch of Fancy Feast for Curly, or some new clothes, or whatever you want. Free money! Hurray!

Pen Ultimate said...

pg -- That's very sweet; thank you. I will likely spend it on Curly kibble, and Jeffraham chow. Curly doesn't seem terribly thrilled with the new kibble I bought just yesterday... although that may not be a horrible thing. He could stand to slow down a bit on the eatin', I think... as could I! ;)
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Anonymous said...

My 2 old cats--Dharma is about 17 and acts 4, Kali is probably the same age-- eat Science Diet CD....they 've been so healthy since we switched to it(and purified water),,,occasional wet food.
My cats have good histories--here, since I've had about a couple gallons of wine, let me share--
I adopted Kali from a student whose Dad gave her the choice of finding her pet a new home or euthanasia. The cat was old then, yet has lived many more years than anticpated, and is in great shape....Dharma(named long before a tv character of the same name) arrived mysteriously shortly after I lost 2 kitties within one week...Dharma was found in the locked basement, and no one responded to "lost cat" posters/ads. Both have a great life here--not unlike their soulmate Curly.
So, get Curly (or you) a check-up, good food, and enjoy this life....
Meanwhile, Ihave to see the doc AGAIN for this infected cat bite!
Cheers, and good night. One of these weekends, I'm gonna drive over and visit you...

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