BleepingComputer.com: IDE drive SMART failure

Hello All,
You have helped me tremendously in removing spyware. I have amnother issue unfortunately. My IDE hard drive had a SMART error and wouldn't boot after the "blue" screen.
I was told by Dell to replace the hard drive- which i did but I need to get the data off of my old drive. I took it to the Geek squad . they informed me that the drive spins fine and doesn't seem to be mechanically bad but they couldn't get the data.
Can I do this myself somehow? I was told by a data recovery place that itwould be between 500 and $1000 to get the data but they for certain could recover the data.
That price is too hi and I'm wondering if anyone can offer me any advice?
Thanks
Dave

A SMART failure usually means the drive is hosed. Dell is right when they say buy a new one.

Data recovery is tricky business, especially if the hardware is wonky. Maybe something along the lines of Unstoppable Copier?

I have confidence in http://www.snapfiles.com/get/getbacknt.html, but...as noted...recovery procedures are always iffy.

Louis

Thanks. However, in addition to the software, how do I connect it to my computer? Do I need other connectors/jumpers? And what jumper settings do I use since I have to have my new "good" drive installed as normal- how and where dod I connect the "bad" drive? USB I suppose?
Thanks
Dave