Cannot find files on second HDD


  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Home Professional 64bit
       #1

    Cannot find files on second HDD


    I was running two Dell PC's both running Windows 7 Pro. When the older one suffered a power supply failure I installed the 1TB drive that was its sole drive into the running PC. Although I can access the second drive now, I cannot find any of my photos, files, or desktop folders. I see program files and scores of empty folders.

    Is there a way to access the files on the second HDD? Or, should I install a new power supply in the older PC and go back to running both PC's?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 3,783
    win 8 32 bit
       #2

    Welcome to the forum. One problem will be the security on the drive will be set to the owners of the old PC so even if you can see the files you can't access them you would have to take ownership in order to get them. You can have problems with another pc if it's set different is the drive is set to ide
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6,021
    Win 7 HP SP1 64-bit Vista HB SP2 32-bit Linux Mint 18.3
       #3

    Hi RTFarley,

    Welcome to SevenForums!

    RTFarley said:
    I was running two Dell PC's both running Windows 7 Pro. When the older one suffered a power supply failure I installed the 1TB drive that was its sole drive into the running PC. Although I can access the second drive now, I cannot find any of my photos, files, or desktop folders. I see program files and scores of empty folders.

    Is there a way to access the files on the second HDD? Or, should I install a new power supply in the older PC and go back to running both PC's?
    This might be of some use => Take Ownership.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Home Professional 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #4

    One More Question


    Can I remove that second HDD and put it back in the older PC as the primary drive (where it was) without losing the original data?

    I did take ownership of the folders but it didn't help. Still couldn't find the data files.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3,783
    win 8 32 bit
       #5

    It should work in the old pc ok. If fiesare missing you may need to use recovery software
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6,021
    Win 7 HP SP1 64-bit Vista HB SP2 32-bit Linux Mint 18.3
       #6

    Hi RTFarley,

    samuria said:
    It should work in the old pc ok. If files are missing you may need to use recovery software.
    I agree with samuria.
    You could also use a Linux Live CD to recover the files!
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Home Professional 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Thanks Everyone


    You've all been a lot of help. Glad I joined this Forum.
      My Computer


 

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