Live CD
This method is suitable for people who don’t have access to another PC to perform repair works on their disk. For a live CD you will need temporary access to another PC with an internet connection. Download a Linux LiveCD – Damn Small Linux is the smallest, but also has issues mounting hard drives. The most simple for an average computer user would be Puppy Linux. It has a larger file size, but should recognize your drive. Burn the Live CD ISO to a CD and insert it into your computer (the one with the crashed hard drive). Restart the computer and when it the computer logo appears, press F2 (or whatever key for your system) to enter BIOS. Change the boot sequence to CD first, Save and then Exit. The Live CD will start, simply follow the directions on the screen–don’t worry, nothing is being done to your hard drive. The OS will start, and you should see your hard drive mounted on the desktop–something like “60GB”, etc. Plug in a second drive and copy and paste the folders over.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWWXu2PjPZE[/youtube]
External Case
This is the most simple and time tested method for hard disk data retrieval. An external case allows you connect your hard disk to another computer via USB port. All you need to do is purchase an external case. Place your hard disk into the case, beware of a static shock. Now connect the problematic hard disk to another PC, chances are that you will be able to access your data.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i89Xisz4Mjk&feature=related[/youtube]
