Help
Photos stuck on an old computer, CD or USB
The photos are on an old laptop, a stack of CDs, a USB stick or an old phone. Take it slowly. This page shows how to find everything, keep it safe and get ready, and then you bring it to us.
Do not rush it
Please do not try to force it. A failing drive or a scratched disc can get worse with every attempt, and the photos are what matter.
The aim of this page is to find everything, keep it safe and make a list. Getting the photos off is the next step, and we do that with you.
First, find everything
- Look in drawers, cupboards, shoeboxes and the back of the wardrobe for old phones, USB sticks, memory cards, CDs, DVDs and external hard drives.
- Find the old laptop or desktop computer, and its power cable. The screen and keyboard can stay where they are.
- Put it all in one box or bag so nothing gets left behind.
Next, charge it and have a look
- Plug in the phone or laptop and let it charge for an hour. Old batteries are often flat, not broken.
- If a USB stick or memory card fits a computer that works, plug it in and look inside. Photos are usually in a folder called Pictures, DCIM or Photos.
- If a disc will play in a computer with a disc drive, open it the same way.
- If you can see the photos, copy them into a new folder on the working computer, or follow the other help pages to order prints. If nothing happens, stop there. Do not try again and again.
Then write it down
- What each thing is, and roughly what is on it, for example holiday photos from the 2000s.
- Any password or PIN for the computer or the phone. Without it we can often still read the photos, but it takes longer.
- What you would like at the end: prints, copies on a USB stick, or both.
Last, bring it all to PhotoQ
Once you have everything together, bring the box into the shop at 605-607 High Street, Kew East. You do not need an appointment, or ring (03) 9855 0006 first to check we are in.
We look at it with you at the counter, tell you what is possible, how long it will take and what it will cost, and only go ahead if you are happy. Every job gets a numbered sticker so nothing is mixed up.
The photos come back to you on a USB stick, or we print the ones you choose, or both. Discs and cards that have failed can sometimes still be read; this is our “image recovery” service. It is not always possible, and we say so before you spend anything.
Not near Kew East?
Post the discs, sticks or cards to us with the postal order form, or ring us on (03) 9855 0006 first and we will tell you the safest way to pack them. We would rather you did not post a laptop; ring us and we will work something out.
Ready to try?
Order online
Upload the photos, choose the sizes, and we print them here in Kew East. No account needed.
Start ordering →Or let us do it
Bring it in and we do it with you
605-607 High Street, Kew East. Monday – Thursday 10:00am – 5:00pm. Friday 10:00am – 4:00pm. Saturday – Sunday Closed.
Ring (03) 9855 0006 and we will talk you through it.
How that works →