Member Avatar for Randallp

Our old PC finally died a slow, agonizing death. So we replaced it with a new PC, which has an S-ATA hard drive. We need to retrieve the data from the old IDE drive in the dead PC (I'm hoping that the reason it died was not due to a hard drive problem; I think it was a motherboard/CPU problem since a new drive won't boot, either). My question is, what is required to put the old IDE drive into the new PC with the S-ATA drive? Just a cable, or do I need to get some sort of card, too? Or is there some other method of getting to our old files? Thanks.

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Quick expert note tying the thread together for anyone landing here later: found the new Dell had no IDE header and a spare expansion slot; pointed out adding an IDE controller is one option. There are three practical, low‑risk ways to get files off an old PATA/IDE drive today: install an internal IDE controller card in a spare slot (or reuse the old Gateway card if its bus matches the spare slot), use a USB-to-IDE adapter or docking station, or place the drive in an external IDE enclosure. Each has tradeoffs in cost, convenience, and safety.

Practical checklist and steps:

  1. Identify the drive (3.5" desktop PATA vs 2.5" laptop PATA) and its condition.
  2. For a quick, no-install method use a USB-to-IDE/SATA adapter or dock. Note: 3.5" desktop IDE drives need an external power brick (Molex); 2.5" laptop drives are often bus-powered. Connect, let the OS mount the disk, then copy files—do not format.
  3. For an internal solution, confirm the spare slot type (PCI vs PCIe) and get a compatible IDE controller; install card, attach ribbon and power, check BIOS/Device Manager and set boot order so the old drive is not the primary boot device. If using a shared IDE cable with another drive, check/restore jumper settings (master/slave or cable select) before powering up.

Data-safety and gotchas:

  • If the drive is noisy or makes clicking sounds, stop and consider professional recovery; continuing can worsen damage.
  • Image the drive first (cloning/imaging tools) if there are signs of failure—work from the image.
  • Encrypted files (Windows EFS) require the original user certificate/keys to decrypt.
  • If the old drive was part of a software RAID or a Windows dynamic disk, importing/reconstructing may be needed rather than simple mounting.

For (Windows XP drive, new Windows 7 Lenovo): a USB adapter/dock is the fastest route; Windows 7 will usually auto-mount the volume—use Disk Management to assign a drive letter and avoid formatting.

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Member Avatar for DMR

What's the make/model of the computer and/or motherboard?

SATA-capable motherboards often still include an interface/connection for IDE drives. If that's the case you'll just need to get an IDE ribbon cable, plug the drive in, and see if the BIOS detects it. If so, you should be good to go.

If the motherboard doesn't have any IDE connectors, you'll have to buy either an IDE->SATA adaptor kit or an IDE PCI controller card.

Member Avatar for Randallp

The new PC is a Dell XPS Gen4; have no idea what motherboard. I opened it up, though; there is no IDE interface, but there is one spare slot where maybe I can put one. I suppose I might even be able to try the interface card from the old PC (Gateway AMD). Thanks for your advise.

Member Avatar for DMR

I suppose I might even be able to try the interface card from the old PC (Gateway AMD).

Sure- if you've got an old controller card lying around, even better. Try it; it should do the trick.

Member Avatar for cbaker

old pc using windows xp died, purchased new pc lenovo with sata hd using windows 7 pro how can i retrieve my data off windows xp hd, can i use a usb?

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