Tranfering files from one computer to another

[WEALTH4U]

  I cannot access Windows in my computer and I need to rescue and save some of my documents/files so that I can transfer them to a different computer. Just how would I go about doing that in the first place ?

I appreciate anyone's input on that !

[Mitz]

What do you mean by can't access?
Does the computer show a blank screen, or even the logo screen, is there still power??? etc...

Please give some more details of your problem and I am sure we can help you..

[WEALTH4U]

Yes, I still have power and I can get the logo screen and just the background of the start page. There is not a start button normally displayed below and I can't even get it to go into safe mode.  It is a Compaq Presario with Windows ME and it is an intel celeron. I have another computer nearby that is working so I would like to somehow access the files on one computer and transfer them to the other.

[Dak]

I've very little experience with Windows ME, but I am going to assume that some things remain the same lol. These instructions will work for XP, and I am hoping they also apply for ME.

Having the background but no taskbar or start button sounds like Windows Explorer is not starting. Lets try this to see if thats the case.

Start the computer, and wait for a bit until you are sure its had enough time to load. Now, ALL AT ONCE, press the ctrl, alt, and del keys. This should open Windows Task Manager.

Click on the tab 'Applications' if its not already selected. You'll see a radio button called 'new task' on the bottom right. Click on that.
Now, type into the 'new task' window which will pop up     explorer.exe    (exactly as I have typed) and click ok.

This may bring back your desktop, depending on what else may be wrong. If it does, try restarting again and see if it comes up automatically this time. Then report back to us with whatever results you get!

Curious also as to why it doesnt start in safe mode either. Do you mean you get the same effect in start mode, ie the taskbar and start button dont appear? Or do you mean you simple arent given the option of selecting safe mode or the computer will not start at all in safe mode?

[WEALTH4U]

I was lucky enough to get back into safe mode and dis a system restore to see if that would work but no luck there. So, right now it is in safe mode with a astart button and task bar and there is no internet connection. Everytime I try to get safe mode with networking to get the internet it doesn't work. When I hit click alt and delete as you instructed when booting up, no window popped up and the safe mode screen came up.

[WEALTH4U]

 I was lucky enough to get back into safe mode and did a system restore to see if that would work but no luck there. So, right now it is in safe mode with a a start button and task bar and there is no internet connection. Everytime I try to get safe mode with networking to get the internet it doesn't work. When I hit click alt and delete as you instructed when booting up, no window popped up and the safe mode screen came up.
So, if you know the answer to this problem I would certainly appreciate your input on that.

[Mitz]

Well this proves that your hard drive is still working. As Dak said, we do not have much experience on Windows ME because it is all forgotten.

You could try to run some system tool programs. In the start menu, accessories, system tools, I think.
Personally I would take the hard drive out of the computer and put it in an external hard drive case. Buying an external hard drive case by itself, without a hard drive, can be very cheap.

When you have put the hard drive in the case, simply plug it into the other computer via usb and remove the files you want by copying and pasting them.

Then if you want to fix the old computer, put the hard drive back and format it...It really probably needs a good clean.. It is really not worth trying to fix this computer as it may cause you to loose your data.

[WEALTH4U]

I appreciate your reply, but since I am not computer literate as you are could you break that down into step by step using or explaining in terms that I would understand ?

Thanks so much !

[Mitz]

Have you got a usb flash stick? Or do you know someone with one? Maybe you could plug that into your computer and copy some files to that?

[michellelondon88]

The best way is to use a pendrive.....no problems what so ever.

[AlexBarnes313]

Wow, I would have thought that explorer.exe wasn't running. Let's see, I know pretty much nothing about ME, but if this problem computer is networked with your other computer, try to get in through the network.

[Mitz]

It would be easier if you can access it over a network as Alex has suggested, however if you cannot...

The usb flash drive is a bad idea if you cannot get into the computer..If you can get in by safe mode then it might work, but the external drive is the best idea for you..

If you wanted an external drive to put your hard drive in, it would most likely be an IDE connection and not a SATA. (older hard drives are IDE) So therefore when buying or borrowing an external drive ensure it is IDE connection. Then all you have to do is unplug your old hard drive from your computer. Make sure the power is not connected, and touch the metal casing holding the hard drive to release static electricicty. Then remove it Usually with a screwdriver. Then connect it and secure it in the external hard drive case...Now simply plug the external case into another computer and turn it on..You will be able to go to my computer and access the drive through there.

IDE = A long rectangle connection with lots of pins to fit into it. Connected with a wide strap.
SATA = Very small connection compared to the IDE. Just a small black plug. Also a narrow strap.

3.5" = Desktop size hard drive
2.5" = Laptop size hard drive