how do I retrieve data files from a dead WinME system?

[NHdad]

Yesterday I accidentally deleted a whole bunch of previously infected files (repaired) in Norton Antivirus including system files, and now the system won't boot. This is a Compaq, and I had never done a system save so I can not do a system restore. The other option from Compaq's emergency CD is to do a full restore which will format the hard drive. I have some very important data files I need to recover, is there a way to do this?

Can I use the emergency boot diskette to copy the files to an external drive? or use my friend's WinMe CD to automatically detect the missing system files and replenish them?

PLEASE HELP a computer novice!! Thanks in advance!!

 

[bacillus]

you could remove your hdd, jumper it as slave & put it on your friends pc.
his OS should see your hdd & its data enabling you to copy your needed stuff onto his hdd or cdr.
after that do a full system restore with the compaq cd!

 

[NHdad]

thanks for the advice, but this is a laptop, and I would like other simpler solutions before opening it up and buying an adaptor kit

 

[bacillus]

a 2.5" to 3.5" IDE adapter costs $7-10US!

 

[pac1085]

use a bootable linux distribution, and copy everything from the drive to another device? (cd-r, removeable hd, floppies, zip, etc)

 

[NHdad]

Originally posted by: bacillus
a 2.5" to 3.5" IDE adapter costs $7-10US!

how about opening it up? is it as easy as desktop? thanks

 

[skyking]

Yes, most laptop drives are EASIER to get at than desktops. The bootable linux distribution is a great idea, though, if lappy has a burner.You can also use a network ghost boot disk, and push the image out to a drive on another machine.

 

[pitupepito2000]

I think that you should go with knoppix. Knoppix is a bootable linux cd, and will allow you to get your files back, it is very easy to use and you will be amazed with the results if you try it.

I hope this helps,
pitupepito