Slave old HD to retrieve files?

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Level 1

4 points

Slave old HD to retrieve files?

I have the original WD 1.0tB hard drive that was replaced in my iMac27. It had some problems and would not boot; therefore, the mac folks replaced the drive. Unfortunately, there are a few files I did not backup on the old drive. To avoid getting into my iMac, could I slave this drive onto a PC to try retrieve the files, or will I need to slave it on my iMac? I have never opened my iMac (out of warranty with no extended), and am not sure I want to.. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

Posted on Feb 18, 2012 7:04 PM

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Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

83,011 points

Feb 18, 2012 7:07 PM in response to Big Heem

See these solutions for data recovery:https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-1689

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Answer 2

Feb 18, 2012 9:11 PM in response to Big Heem

If you connect or install your hard drive in a pc you will need a program like macdrive8 to read the OSX file system. You can buy a Sata to usb bridge which will enable you to connect your hard drive to your iMac quite cheaply. Mike🙂

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Answer 3

epass

Level 1

50 points

Feb 19, 2012 3:37 AM in response to Big Heem

It sounds as though you feel that those files are intact on the old HDD.

If you've considered slaving the HDD to PC or Mac and you think there is a possibility of gaining access to files on the old HDD you could put that drive in an external enclosure & connect to your Mac via FW or USB. That would save you going into the computer.

If the HDD mounts you can click on its icon on the desktop & open the drive to access the contents. You should be able to either read/check what's on the disk and if what you want is intact you can read file and/or drag what you want to the new HDD.

The external enclosures can be found many places, such as:

http://www.macsales.com/

Some of the enclosures come without cables so ask if they're included.

Good luck with this; hope you can retrieve your files.

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