Recovering files from laptop with XP that won't boot

I have a laptop with Windows XP installed that won't boot. It gives me a BSoD right before the log on screen. I can't access Safe Mode either. (same error).

Thing is, I need some files that are present in the HD, so I really can't format the hD's laptop yet.

Options I have considered:

• Reinstall Windows XP on top of the current installation.
This would mean, if it doesn't delete my files, that I will recover the files than do a clean install afterwards.
• Use a Linux Live CD and boot with it, and If possible mount the Windows partition and access files from there. Is it possible?

Any other ideas?

Thank you.

Solution 1:

Take the hard drive out and use a USB hard drive enclosure. If you don't have another computer to access the hard drive from a USB enclosure with, then I would use a Live CD.

Solution 2:

Using a Linux LiveCD is the easiest and fastest way to do this. Failing that, you can remove the drive, and put it into a caddy, or another machine as a slave drive, and pull the files off from there.

Solution 3:

The windows CD does come with an option to fix a current installed widnows when you run it as I recall, I'd give that a shot first, it's quick and easy and should not harm if you don't select the format option :)