Do you have an issue of important information being trapped in an old computer? If so, you will need to recover data from hard disk storage using specialized software. What type of software do you need? That depends on the nature of the problem. If the PC is still operational, a basic program that scans for lost and deleted files downloaded to your desktop will suffice. If you have a Windows logic crash (blue screen error) then you will need a more advanced utility designed to be burned onto a CD or DVD and run from that disc to boot your computer.