A client's laptop (Compaq Pressario 2113EU) had all kinds of problems so they tried to re-install Windows (XP Pro), but not from the original WinXP discs.
I am not sure what happened PRECISELY, but they had lots of error messages referring to missing files and did not succeed.

Now, the status is that the laptop crashes during Windows start-up (even in safe mode), most likely due to missing drivers.
If I boot from CD, I can still see the DATA files, but I do not have the software to rescue it.

I have ordered the formal recovery discs from HP/Compaq (the system is 2nd hand and was delivered to the new owner without discs) but I am afraid that installing these will LOSE the data files (no recent backup, of course) as it will probably go through hard disk formatting.
So, I need advice from you, experts, out there.

How do I rescue the data? And how do I proceed in the best way?
Thanks for your helpI would boot with a Linux Live CD and copy the files to a PENDRIVE or across a network to a machine with a CDRW.

www.knoppix.com

Burn the file as an ISO with Nero, etc. and then boot the machine with the CD in it. Off you go. Linux saves the day again.Quote

I would boot with a Linux Live CD and copy the files to a PenDrive or across a network to a machine with a CDRW.

www.knoppix.com

Burn the file as an ISO with Nero, etc. and then boot the machine with the CD in it. Off you go. Linux saves the day again.