Ethical computer repairs

[NorkyPies]

I have a dead laptop (battery connection broken). I don't need the old machine any more, but would like to get the files off it. I'd like to be confident that the files would not be viewed by the repairer (following experience with a repair guy who openly admitted he took stuff off customers' PCs). Can you recommend anyone in West Yorkshire?

Anyone?

What about a hard drive enclosure, then you can get to the stuff yourself?

Thanks for reply, but I don't know what a hard drive enclosure is?

Sorry. It's a case for the hard drive in your laptop. So you take the hard drive out (v easy), put it in the case and use it as an external drive. It'd probably be cheaper and isn't difficult.

Sorry can't recommend anyone, am miles away.

That sounds good. I'll see if I can buy a hard drive enclosure. Thanks for the tip.

Something like this Link

The other option if you are nervous is look in the phone book for someone who will visit you. At least then you can be in the same room and be sure he's not pilfering your files.

I guess your level of caution depends on what files you have stored. Personally I doubt anyone would be overly interested in my family snaps other than my own family. Oh and maybe the odd letter here & there.

Thanks niceguy. I've already ordered something v. similar from Amazon. My files include interviews that have to be kept confidential.