My laptop recently got smashed, but I managed to salvage the HDD, and I really need the software on it with all data intact. How do I salvage my data?

Now there is a problem… Or actually a couple:

1. hard disks are the most delicate component in a computer, if your laptop got smashed while it was on, you may have lost some data, but it all depends on how badly it was smashed.
2. Let's say you are lucky and that your hard disk is intact: you'll be able to recover all of your files, but the problem is that your programs usually run on registry keys, drivers, other programs, your operating system, and files scattered all around your PC. The programs you have installed are “moulded” around all of these things, so you can't simply recover your programs by just moving the files to a new computer because they are coded for your hardware. You'll need to buy the same exact laptop, with the same exact serial number if you also want all of your programs back.

I won't add stuff that the other guy already said.

If the hard drive is intact, remove it and install it in another laptop of the same make and model. Or connect it to another computer as a USB external drive.

How did the laptop get smashed? Was it dropped or run over or stepped on?

My favorite Data recovery software: GetDataBack

Note: this program isnt free but there is a free trial version, and Im sure it can be found at ExtraTorrent or TPB. It also is worth the money to buy it.

Take the hard drive and hook it up to another computer with a SATA (or IDE, gross) to USB adapter. Run GetDataBack. Profit.

Details: make sure to use GetDataBack for NTFS unless it's a FAT file system (really old, like XP or before). It's pretty easy to learn the software.

If you need to get PROGRAMS from the drive….well you can't. You could clone the drive but unless you put the clone into a laptop with the same chip set and CPU and Operating System (unlikely) then it won't work. You're just going to have to reinstall the software. That's how it goes.

Legally you can only transfer your data and saved files, but technically you could clone the drive to another hard drive as long as it isn't damaged.

If you have the HDD simply place it inside another compatible laptop and take whatever files you want from it.

Your first option should be to find the same exact laptop model and insert your Hard-Disk into it. If the Hard-Disk isn't damaged, everything should work again like nothing happened.

If you cannot get the same laptop model or you cannot afford it, then you have two options:

1. Buy a USB pack for your Hard-Disk, you can get this in most computer shops or online. Copy out your data from the Hard-Disk and reinstall the application on the new system.
2. Buy a USB pack and get a data recovery software or give your Hard-Disk to a data recovery service provider in your area.

In case the hard drive doesn't respond to the things you try yourself, get it to a data recovery professional for technical assessment.