I was running windows vista on my computer when it crashed. I don't have a windows vista cd to fix it so all I can do is install a new system. I want to know if there is a way for me to get my pictures off of the computer before I install a new operating system. I have an older computer that I have an xp disc for so I was going to install windows xp on the one that has crashed but I want my pictures first. I have checked prices around here and everyone is wanting to charge me 200 plus dollars to get my pictures back for me. Is there a way I can don it at home myself? Please help they are all pictures of my ids growing up!!If you have access to a SECOND computer you simply need to slave the drive to that computer. Alternatively, you can install XP to a NEW location on the existing drive, grab the pictures, then FORMAT and reinstall from scratch.

http://forums.techguy.org/windows-vista/558994-how-install-xp-after-vista.htmlif you want to get your pictures off the computer i could say to use a Linux LIVE CD to get in to your folders and then just copy the pictures and other stuff you want to recover to a MEMORY stick
http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download

that link should SHOW you how to create live cd That sounds really good but I am not that good with computers. Is there a way you could possibly tell me how to do that.Slave Drive Tutorial

Complete with pics and video...