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Question

How to boot the OS from my external HDD?

Mar 24, 2015 11:56AM PDT

Badly need help. My laptop was broken and beyond repairs so I bought a new one. Since my files on that laptop were very important I utilized my HDD by enclosing it and using it as external drive. However, some of my files there were compressed and encrypted. I can neither copy nor access them from other PC.Two things in my mind, maybe I can boot my OS(Windows 7) from that drive so I can extract my files or I can find another way to override the security of those files (pw protected, compressed, encrypted). Any advice?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Windows does not boot from USB HDD
Mar 24, 2015 12:05PM PDT

Without a lot of modification and no one I know does that anymore. It would also destroy that drives contents.

I think the cheap exit is to get the same old laptop and slip this HDD into that old laptop.
Bob

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slip this HDD into that old laptop
Mar 24, 2015 3:48PM PDT

Ya, I think I'll be forced to insert it to my new laptop which I find difficult. I hope I can find another way though

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That only works if old and new laptop are the same model.
Mar 25, 2015 1:18AM PDT

It's the cheapest recovery I know of for this story. Your story is not new and is good to share since many folk are in this position.

For now, backup of what we can't lose is not optional.
Bob

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Hopeless
Apr 14, 2015 4:27PM PDT

Thanks Bob. The problem is my new laptop is very different. I'm losing hopes. wew

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Encrypted? Without a backup? Ouch.
Apr 15, 2015 2:51AM PDT

See if Drivesavers.com can help.

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Answer
try taking ownership
Mar 26, 2015 6:02AM PDT
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I did took the ownership
Apr 14, 2015 4:28PM PDT

I already took ownership sir. I think I encrypted it using that of windows