Hi there

I have a Sony VAIO PCG-FX101 running Windows ME. Currently it will not boot-up and none of the 4 startup options given in the MS-DOS Startup Menu work either. Selecting 'Normal' or 'Logged' modes simply restarts the laptop and returns it to the same menu. Selecting 'Safe Mode' or 'Step-by-step CONFIRMATION' prompts an immediate blue error screen "Windows protection error... System halted."

So I am looking to use the original Sony recovery CD, but I want to KEEP all my files/documents so I can transfer them to a new laptop.

Which recovery option will keep my files safe?

There is Standard Recovery or Advanced Recovery. I don't know what Standard Recovery will do? Under 'Advanced Recovery' it asks me whether to keep the current partitions or select new partition sizes, stating "By selecting new partition size, ALL data currently present on your hard disk will be removed!" But it doesn't say what the other selection will do... Don't quote me on this, but it's very similar to how the EMACHINE (Ghost recovery) runs.

Standard installation overwrites existing system files and SUPPOSEDLY (never take this to be a certainty) doesn't delete your personal documents (or sometimes creates a folder on the new partition with all of your files backed up into).

Advanced installation usually deletes everything and starts afresh. You may be able to create a new size for your partitions.

So, in short the standard installation would be your BEST bet to start with - but ALL manufacturers advise on backing up your data first. There is NO GUARANTEE it will SAVE anything.