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How to Read Files Off an Xbox 360's Hard Drive With a Cable

Microsoft sells a data transfer cable if you need to read and transfer your data to another Xbox 360. If you are switching to a new Xbox 360, you can transfer over media, game saves and other downloaded data using this cable. The data transfer cable eliminates the need to transfer data between drives with a memory card. You can also read the Xbox 360 data on a computer by removing the Xbox 360 hard drive from its case and installing it into a desktop computer.

Things You'll Need

Torx screwdriver
Phillips head screwdriver

Instructions

Data Transfer Cable
- 1
  Turn the Xbox 360 off and set it upright in a vertical position if you keep your console laying on its side.
- 2
  Press the hard drive button on the top of the system. Remove the hard drive from your Xbox 360.
- 3
  Turn off the Xbox 360 you are transferring the data to.
- 4
  Connect the hard drive end of the data transfer cable on to the hard drive's interface slot. Connect the USB side of the cable to your Xbox 360.
- 5
  Turn the new console on. Select "Transfer to Console" with your Xbox 360 controller and press "A." You can see all of the content eligible for transfer in the transfer confirmation window. You can read what files are present in each section of the Xbox hard drive. If you do not wish to transfer certain files, you can deselect them in the sections.
Computer SATA Cable
- 6
  Turn off the Xbox 360. Push the button on the top of the console to slide the hard drive enclosure out of the system. Unscrew the screws located at each corner of the metal enclosure cage. Remove four screws total from the cage.
- 7
  Pull the hard drive out of the enclosure slowly so it disconnects from the SATA cable. You can unscrew the four screws on the plastic backing of the enclosure to make it easier to disconnect the SATA cable.
- 8
  Shut your computer down. Remove all power and peripheral cables from the machine. Unscrew your computer's case cover and pull the cover or side panel off of the computer chassis. Your computer case may open with a release button or sliding side panel instead of a cover removal.
- 9
  Slide the Xbox 360 hard drive in the case's drive bay. Connect a SATA cable, typically a flat red cable, in to the hard drive's left interface port. Connect a power supply cable in to the 360 drive's right port.
- 10
  Put your computer case side panel or cover on. Plug the machine in to power. Plug any needed peripherals back in. Turn on your computer. Click "Start" and "Computer." Double-click the drive letter loaded for your Xbox 360 hard drive to access the drive's contents.

Xbox 360