If you can connect that hard disk as a secondary hard drive, if the motherboard can handle it, then you'll be able to access data except those in personal user folders (Documents, Music - if there's a password on the user account).
There can be issues with hdd controller modes, AHCI, IDE, compatibility. If your PC controller is set the same mode as it was set in the broken note, and if the motherboard has a free hdd slot, then you may be able to connect it via adapter and access some of its data.
It would be easier over network though.