How do I access files from an old hard drive?

spaceboy

My dad's computer broke so he got a new one and I've put the old hard drive in a USB caddy to get his files across. I can't get into the Computer folder though, can anyone help?

Neil_Jones

If its a 3.5" drive it will need its own power supply, as USB can't provide enough power for a 3.5" drive (they take a bit of juice to spin up, typically 12v, USB in any form can only provide 5v in their default configuration)

DullGreyGuy

What's the problem? You don't know how to navigate to it or you get access denied or?

With administration rights on the new computer you can change the access rights on the relevant folder of the old drive so that your (or "everyone") can access it. 

Mr.Generous

With modern windows the drive will be protected and access wont be possible easily. I can't remember whether its encrypted or just password protected, but if that drive hasn't booted it won't just open documents in a private users folders.

Newcad

spaceboy said:

. I can't get into the Computer folder though,

Could you expand on that?

How are you doing things?, What happens and what do you see? Are there any messages given?

What operating system was your dad using it with? Windows, Mac, Android/Google, Linux, something else?
If Windows then what version?

Also what kind of drive is it? Laptop (2.5") or Desktop (3.5")? HDD (spinning) or SSD (solid state)? Anything else you can tell us.
As you have it in an enclosure then you should be able to see the drive make and model number on the label, that should enable us to look up details of just what it is.

km1500

can you see the drive letter eg D 

if so, what happens when you double click.on it ?

if you get access denied then use takeown and icacls to get ownership of the drive and all files on it

https://superuser.com/questions/813878/how-would-i-use-takeown-to-take-ownership-of-all-folders-on-one-drive

Moss5

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EUcY6yA4MZZPcMfx7
This is how I got in to the hard drive from a failed laptop.