Laptop won't access files from external HDD

[IAmTheMessenger]

So, my Toshiba Satellite laptop recently broke. I got a new one and I'm trying to retrieve the files from the hard drive. I have it connected to my new computer. It shows the HDD is there but will not let me open it to see the files. The laptop won't even show me how much disk space there is. When I try to open it from the Windows Explorer, it just makes my computer freeze up a little and the WE stops responding. I just want to retrieve some files from the HDD. Got any ideas on what to do?

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi and welcome to SevenForums,
I believe you need to take ownership of the drive first,
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1911-take-ownership-shortcut.html
I normally would remove the hdd and put it in a external hdd case first but if you can see it you can try as is.
Assuming this is a dead machine you don't want to relive the os install.