What happened to the old hard drive? Even if it doesn't spin up etc data recovery is still a possibility using a specialist. Might cost but you have to decide on if your data is worth it (or time finding and downloading from websites). I had a guy who's disk wouldn't spin up and he lost it all (so he thought). In the end it did cost him £200 but he got it all back.
If however the PC pissed you off and you poured petrol on it, burnt it and sent it to hell (or is just me that feels like doing that to them?) then you've probably lost it!
I tend to use Oops!backup (Google it) by Altaro for Home usres, mainly as I use their Server Products that have worked well. Continuous hourly backups while an external drive is connected. I can get for about 20% cheaper than the online price if anyone is interested.
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