you can open the hdd and conect it to the pc through sata, but chances of getting this done and back together without damaging it is slim.. IDK atbout the official transfer cable though. I think it is coded to only work once or one way something like that.. I use the xport it is a great tool. comes with "Xchange" software. it is a docking station for the HDD, also has a memory card slot, and a adapter to transfer data from origional xbox memory cards also. it was like $49