I had my computer checked because sometimes the monitor would not come on and I was told the motherboard was bad. I got a second opinion and was told it was a boat anchor.
The motherboard is obsolite and if I did find one to replace it, there would be the chance that my other systems might start to fail.
I have not been able to get the monitor to come on since I got it back, so I bought a new computer. The old one is XP the new one is Windows 7.

I would like to get files off my old computer but I do not know how without a monitor. Going on-line I see that the hard drive can be removed and a converter bought to achieve a download.

My question is, could anyone give me advise on how to do it?
What I should actually buy? And if there might be a video tutorial? So I do not mess it up.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks rh

If your former computer is a "boat anchor" it likely had a hard drive and motherboard with an IDE or parallel ATA interface. Your new computer's drive and motherboad will have a serial ATA (SATA) interface. To connect the former hard drive to the new computer as a second drive to transfer your files, an internal SATA-to-IDE adapter or an external IDE-to-USB converter can be used. You may also need a internal SATA-to-IDE power adapter depending on what power connections your new computer has.

If you aren't going to leave the old hard drive in the new computer after the files are transferred, consider taking both machines to a local computer shop and having them transfer the files. This affords the least opportunity to "mess it up."

To do it yourself, the following are examples of the type of gizmos needed to connect the old drive internally:
Newegg.com: SYBA SD-ADA50016 SATA to IDE (IDE to SATA) Bi-Directional Adapter (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812186078)
Newegg.com: StarTech LP4SATAFM6IN 6in SATA to LP4 Power Cable Adapter - F/M (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200912) (Optional depending on new computer power connectors.)

To connect externally:
Newegg.com: Vantec 2.5"/3.5"/5.25" SATA/IDE to USB 2.0 Adapter - Model CB-ISATAU2 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812232002)

I've used a variant of the Vantac product for several years on multiple drive models without issues. I have not used the Syba product to be able to comment on its performance.

Posting the two computer models and motherboard models may yield less general responses.

If your old motherboard had a built in video. Then you may not need to throw the whole thing away and just try installing a video card in it. That way you cn transfer the files you need and still have it as a backup.

Older video cards are usually dirt cheap.

Thanks I will give it a try, money is tight right now with new computer payment, so will let you know when I give it a try.
Thanks rh

If your former computer is a "boat anchor" it likely had a hard drive and motherboard with an IDE or parallel ATA interface. Your new computer's drive and motherboad will have a serial ATA (SATA) interface. To connect the former hard drive to the new computer as a second drive to transfer your files, an internal SATA-to-IDE adapter or an external IDE-to-USB converter can be used. You may also need a internal SATA-to-IDE power adapter depending on what power connections your new computer has.

If you aren't going to leave the old hard drive in the new computer after the files are transferred, consider taking both machines to a local computer shop and having them transfer the files. This affords the least opportunity to "mess it up."

To do it yourself, the following are examples of the type of gizmos needed to connect the old drive internally:
Newegg.com: SYBA SD-ADA50016 SATA to IDE (IDE to SATA) Bi-Directional Adapter (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812186078)
Newegg.com: StarTech LP4SATAFM6IN 6in SATA to LP4 Power Cable Adapter - F/M (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200912) (Optional depending on new computer power connectors.)

To connect externally:
Newegg.com: Vantec 2.5"/3.5"/5.25" SATA/IDE to USB 2.0 Adapter - Model CB-ISATAU2 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812232002)

I've used a variant of the Vantac product for several years on multiple drive models without issues. I have not used the Syba product to be able to comment on its performance.

Posting the two computer models and motherboard models may yield less general responses.
I don't know enough about computers to provide more info,but

Thanks I will give this a try, money is tight right now, with new computer payment, but I will comment on what I have done as soon as I try.
Thanks for your reply. Rh