Data on old hard drives

Elmer_Dudd

I have a new Pentium 4 running windows XP.
I also have 3 old computers ranging from a 1995 Compaq running win 95 and 2 (Pentium 3's )running Win 98.
They all have hard drives which contain loads of old programmes and files that I would like to keep.
Can I connect the hard drives to my current computer using a USB IDE link (available at Maplins) and would I be able to transfer/save and read/use the files stored on the old drives with my new computer given the difference in Operating Systems.
Any ideas would be appreciated.:D

Thanks,
Elmer:cool:

shammyjack

XP will read the FAT format on your old discs and most old programmes should run in compatibility mode .

shammy

Elmer_Dudd

Thanks Shammyjack

Is there a way of converting these older files so that I would not have to use the compatability mode and just use them with Win XP as it is?
Elmer

Little_John

You can use the £25 device from Maplin or buy this one and svae a bit of money from scan even if you have to pay shipping. I have one plug the drive on tothe connector attach the drive power connector, connect the power adaptor and then plug in to the USB port and switch on. it give you the drive in my computer.

There is no problem reading the disks on your new pc.

EDIT:
as per your question there is no issue using fat and NTSF together, if you plan on fitting the older drives then you can delete and create new NTFS partitions if you wanted to.

Elmer_Dudd

Thanks Littlejohn.

I dont want to fit the drives permanently just temporarily so I can transfer the data I want and I may then erase the old drives and have a clear out of the old computers.
Cheers,
Elmer

moomintroll_3

When you erase them make sure you do it properly! Use something like DBAN to do the job.

G

Elmer_Dudd

Yes will be careful to properly erase old drives.

Elmer

superscaper

A big strong magnet would work as well If it's good enough for the MOD......

Fraserca

You also could apply the main focus of a 10 lb sledgehammer on the casing...

Little_John

Yeah I destroy any old drives open them up remove the platters and do to town on them with a set of metal cutters, formating or other ways used can normally be recovered if it is done properly but why would someone want to recover your holiday photos? I think some people are just paranoid.

Fraserca

We all have something to hide ....

Think about it


Don't you ?