I need help transferring files from my laptop to my PC?

Question

My Window's XP system files have become corrupted and so Windows won't start, nor will it allow me to run the repair function off of the CD.

I don't want to re-install windows because it will attempt to reformat my C: drive and so I wanted to know how I might be able to connect my laptop to my PC so that I can grab all my files before doing a whole new re-install?

Currently, I can't start up Windows - stuck at the screen where it ask to go into 'Safe Mode' and I've tried all options.

I'm wondering - can I just connect my laptop (via USB) to my PC to transfer files (i.e.: would my PC recognize it as a flash drive, like any other USB enabled memory stick)?

Aside from the above (if it's not an option), what else can I do?

Answer 1

Download any linux live cd, it will boot your pc in linux OS, then you can recover your files from the windows partition with a flash or portable drive.

download: http://www.linux-live.org/#

Answer 2

in bios choose last known good configuration.

this should get you sorted

Answer 3

Get an external Hard Drive enclosure that has USB ports on it (more reliable).

Then remove the HD with the bad Windows OS from your desktop PC and install into the enclosure. Plug it into the laptop PC and once it is detected move all the files important to you on to the laptop,

Then return it to the desktop PC and reinstall windows.

Done.

Enclosures cost about $20 - 50 with out an HD.

Answer 4

Try this.

If you somehow are able to get past safe mode screen copy the files you can to a USB stick and scram! Take the money and run.

This reinforces the concept of periodically backing up all of your personal files and folders. I learned my lesson the hard way. IA compaq laptop  of mine had the HD crash on me. I mean a hard crash (utter HW failure).  I lost tons of valuable personal files.