Windows won't boot up, how to back up files?

**jesika** · 11-26-2009, 07:13 AM

Hi all,
My windows vista refuses to boot up normally and in safe mode. So I'm going to take it into Circuit City since I have a performance service plan with them. Before I do that, I want to back up some of my important files. Is there a way I can do this if windows won't load? I don't have a restore disk or vista windows disk. Thank You, any help is much appreciated.

**Jo-Jo** · 11-26-2009, 09:09 AM

Hi jesika,

I'm no expert, but I wonder exactly what you mean when you say... won't boot properly. Does this mean nothing at all, no error messages, no indication of what's wrong?

I keep old versions of MSDos that sometimes allow me to gain access to a crashed system. Also (but you need another computer or friend with one), you could download/obtain one of the free distributions of Linux that boot from a C-D drive and will allow you to inspect/save any non-corrupted files from your hard-drive. I've used those options as a last resort.

Best wishes and good luck with it.
J.

**shg** · 11-26-2009, 01:39 PM

If it's a laptop, pull the drive, put it in a USB enclosure (e.g., Apricorn), attach it to another computer, and copy the data.

**Jack in the UK** · 11-27-2009, 07:32 AM

Originally Posted by shg

If it's a laptop, pull the drive, put it in a USB enclosure (e.g., Apricorn), attach it to another computer, and copy the data.

Dont do this is its under guarantee - they will have a fit !

**Jack in the UK** · 11-27-2009, 07:33 AM

You need to boot the workstation somehow suggest the Vista media ** or a DOS boot disk, I don’t do Vista so no ideas of restrictions, works as standard in Xp
Now once your booted you can off the files as you can see them to external hard drive

TIP:

I never keep files on a computer or at least I off then to an external hard drive and *** back up so I loose nothing and blar balr blar

This site will help you more
http://www.ntfs.com/products.htm