Monitor Failure

shopbot

Hi Everyone,

I have an old desktop PC whose monitor has failed. I have most of the data backed up onto an external harddrive. I don't need to use the PC again but want to make sure I've got all the data off it.

I don't have a spare monitor but do have a laptop running the same OS (XP). Is there any way I can use the laptop as a PC monitor so I can run one last back up?

Alternatively could I view the files on the PC using the laptop so I can drag and drop any remaining files to the external drive?

Thanks

SB

closed

If you are sure the monitor is dead?:

Borrow a monitor, or if you have a tv with a vga port use that, or buy a usb 3.5" disk caddy around £3-4, and take the drive out.

You can remote control the pc, or copy files from it, but you'll need a monitor to set it up initially.

*Kat*

Get a enclosure or a dock and put your old hd in it, which you can then keep as an external HD, and just view/manage the files that way. It uses a usb connection

fwor

Generally the answer is no - you can connect an external monitor to most laptops, but you can't use the laptop as an external monitor for a PC.

There are several ways that you could use network file sharing or a "remote desktop" product (such as the Remote Assistance that's built into XP - but unfortunately you would need a working monitor on the PC to be able to enable those features or install an alternative!

Alternatives: If you have temporary access to another PC, install it in that temporarily as a second drive and copy your data off onto that, or - more expensive - buy a USB external caddy for around £15.

shopbot

Thanks everyone,
I think the simplest solution for now is to borrow a monitor...then look at getting an enclosure for the HD.

macman

Replacement monitors (CRT ones) are available for nothing. Look on freeycle etc, people are glad for you to take them away.

Richie-from-the-Boro

shopbot wrote: »

Thanks everyone,
I think the simplest solution for now is to borrow a monitor...then look at getting an enclosure for the HD.

- simplest is just plug it into the tele .. .. .. ! b i g monitor