How do i read a 3.5 hdd

[skull_rx3]

ok here is the deal. i am currently using a laptop and i have an old pc's hard drive. i want to be able to veiw everything that is on the 3.5 and make copies of the stuff i need off of it. right i have it setup like an external and the reading is extermly limited. i tried all the settings from master to slave bt still only get the same files. can this be been? if so plaease let me know how step by step.

 

[Samstoned]

if you know the size of drive and the system reports the correct size
are you missing files ??
use if you can xp pro version in security tab take possesion of drive
if xp home you have to boot in safe mode to do this
a little unclear what you need to do

 

[Tedster]

get a usb to IDE adapter with a 3.5 converter. You can use the HD externally to get info off of it.

 

[skull_rx3]

i am try to use it externally but i am limited on the files i can acsess