2 Answers

Can you transfer files from one computer to another with a USB cable if one won’t start up?

My laptop won’t start up and I have data that I need on it. Can I connect it to my desktop and move files without starting up the laptop?

Legion on Mar 09, 2011

You cannot accomplish it that way. The USB ports are powered and require the unit to be cut on in order to use. Look into purchasing an enclosure kit. It will turn your internal laptop HDD into an external USB drive that can be plugged in and accessed. Be sure to get one that matches your HDD connection (IDE or SATA)

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schizoid_serpent on Mar 09, 2011

No. A USB ports, firewire cables, and other connectors do not have the ability to make a hard drive spin if no other part of the machine is running, and data can’t be retrieve if the hard drive isn’t usable. If the laptop is starting, but just the monitor isn’t working, the transfer is possible, but if the laptop legitimately won’t start, your best bet is to resolve that problem.

Reasons for a laptop failing to start are often power- or battery-related, so try replacing the battery if you have a spare, or removing the battery and running the laptop only on direct power if the user’s manual doesn’t have a problem with it. I would recommend taking it to an expert who can look at the machine physically, like a friend who’s done it before or a local computer merchant, in case there’s a solution you haven’t tried.

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