Recover data from a Windows XP computer that does boot
A Windows XP system could fail to boot for a number of reasons. As long as you have no Hard disk failure, it is possible to recover all data from the computer. Below is a step by step guide on recovering your data without having to open up your computer or mount your hard disk on another system.
Goal: Our goal is to boot the computer using a Live CD. Then navigate to the files and copy over the files to a removable medium.
1. Create a bootable Windows Live CD using BartPE Builder (http://nu2.nu/pebuilder/). You will need a Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 installation CD for this.
Note: Avoid using reinstall CDs from vendors such as DELL or HP, etc.
2. Connect your removable media (USB driver, external hard drive, etc.)
3. Insert the CD in your computer and restart the computer.
3. At the BIOS screen, hit F12 (or the key specific to your computer to bring up the boot menu).
4. Select Boot from CD. Your computer should now boot from the CD.
6. Click on the Go/Start button at the bottom left corner. From the Programs menu, select A43 file Manager.
7. This application has an interface similar to Windows Explorer. You should be able to see your hard disk and removable medium here. Navigate to the files you want to recover. Copy and paste them over to your removable medium.
