If a hard drive can be plugged into your computer, it should work in most circumstances. You’ll need to format the drive to use a filesystem that is compatible with your operating system. 
For example, if you use Windows, the hard drive will need to be in NTFS or FAT (preferably NTFS, as it supports larger partitions and generally works more efficiently). macOS systems support HFS/HFS+ and APFS, but newer macOS systems can read Windows-formatted NTFS drives.
Your hard drive may not be compatible with your computer if it’s an older drive that requires legacy connectors. Most new hard drives use SATA (Serial ATA). Enterprise hard drives may use SAS (Serial Attached SCSI). Older interfaces like IDE require convertors in order to connect to SATA-only motherboards.
How can I read the data from an older IDE hard drive?
To state the obvious, that depends on whether the drive is in a working condition. If that’s the case, you can purchase an inexpensive IDE adapter or external hard drive enclosure, which will allow you to connect the drive to your computer via USB (or SATA, depending on the adapter).
But if you haven’t operated the hard drive for several years, we do not recommend attempting to read it with an adapter. Hard drives are not designed for extensive cold storage (storing data without physical operation).
If a hard drive sits in storage for an extended period of time, there’s a significant chance that data loss has occurred, or that the hard drive is no longer in a healthy operating condition. There’s also a potential for magnetic data loss: Hard drives can generally store data for about 10 years before serious magnetism issues impact file integrity.
If you’ve got an older hard drive with important data, the safest course of action is to work with a professional data recovery provider. If the drive is in a functional condition, you won’t pay much for the service — and experienced data recovery engineers will take appropriate precautions to prevent media damage during the recovery attempt.
Related: Hard Drive Technology Timeline
What if my computer cannot recognize an older IDE hard drive?
This might occur due to media damage, lost magnetism, or (most commonly) because the hard drive uses a file system that your current computer cannot recognize.
Data recovery engineers will need to evaluate the media to determine why it’s not readable. If media damage has occurred, they’ll need to repair the damaged components to restore your files; this usually requires a certified cleanroom. In other words, your local computer shop will not be properly equipped to handle the work.
At Datarecovery.com, features of our hard drive recovery services include:
- Risk-free evaluations for all hard drive brands, makes, and models.
- Support for storage devices with legacy interfaces, including IDE/SCSI.
- Our no data, no charge guarantee: If we’re unable to successfully recover the files you identify as important, there’s no charge for the attempt.
- Fully equipped data recovery laboratories at every location.
To learn more, call 1-800-237-4200 to speak with an expert or schedule a risk-free media evaluation online.
