Access to old computer files on SATA drive with win XP OS

My old computer no longer work… (for some unknown issue, it only have a black screen (bios does not load… and no sound or alarm going on), but the hard drive seemed ok) I got myself a new one (with XP and win 7) and plan to get the information from my old hard disk (which is in XP). But it always says access denied. Is there any method of retreving the files under "documents and setting" so that i can access the files on desktop using the operation systems i currently have? Also.. another side question, I am not sure if my new computer's bios have the function of automatically shutting off when my CPU over heats (i didn't overclock it… the fan seem to be too cheap to handle the cooling of the cpus) Are there any programs or softwares i can get that can do that incase i leave my computer unattended? Thanks a lot for your help!

Hello ifeelgood, The BIOS will automatically shut down the computer if the CPU reaches a certain temperature. It's normally around 60 C. As for accessing the files, it's not possible through Windows 7 on your new computer if your account on the previous computer was password protected. Your best option is to boot from the old HD and to manually copy the files onto an external device, something like a USB stick. This is really the only legitimate way to access the files.(Note : At WTT we do not condone any methods which unlawfully bypass file and folder security or passwords.) You can boot from the old HD by changing the Boot Priority List in your BIOS. Remember to change it back once you've copied everything over. Cheers,

Thanks a lot for your help and reply! I was just wondering since i just jacked my hard drive from my old computer and plug in the sata line and power cord onto my new computer, would the computer with the old hard disk be able to boot up? Also, for my temperature, i download a software called "Open Hardware Monitor .exe" and i am sorta worried that sometimes, the temperature goes over 60C but no alarm sounded nor did the computer turn of itself… and under the bios list, i don't see any option that can let it automatically shut down. Does all bios do it automatically nowadays without me having to pick that option in the settings? Sorry to ask a lot of follow up questions.. i just wanna make sure in case i miss some steps that i need to do which seem pretty obvious

It "should" boot up.

I'm not exactly sure what Microsoft's policy is on changing hardware, but I think it just unvalidate's the copy of Windows. This is fine because it still lets you copy everything across.

The last time I swapped in an old XP HDD into my current machine it worked fine, so based on that I would say it should be fine.

As for the BIOS, if it's a new motherboard it will automatically shut down the computer if the CPU or any other component reaches above a certain temperature. This temperature will be preset to a safe level, so you won't have anything to worry about.

If you want to see exactly what the limit is, it should be in your BIOS under "PC Health", or something similar.

If you're still worried about it, give AIDA64 (Formerly Everest) a go on their 30 day trial :
http://www.aida64.com/downloads/aida64extreme170exe

Check under the "Sensors" section to see what sort of temps your computer is running at.


Hope that helps.

Dear Nahumi, Thanks a lot for your help!! I was able to retrieve the files inside the hard drive XD without problem~ Apperciate your effort and time on replying to my post Hope you have a great day!

Cool! Glad I was able to help.