Hmm. It seems you went off at a tangent. I recommended that
you install your laptop disk in a 2.5" USB enclosure, then
connect it to a functioning desktop. Your response suggests
that you're still trying to revive your laptop, then copy your
files across with a USB connection. You can spend a lot
of time doing this, with a remote chance of success. If you
try the external USB enclosure then your chances of success
are very high, provided that the file system on your laptop
disk is intact (which it usually is, even when WinXP will no
longer start).

The choice is yours.


"LoriNTroy" <LoriNTroy@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:27EB96DB-33BB-4430-A5EA-7AD1470837D4@microsoft.com...
> Okay,
>
> I have learned my lesson about the back up part...I have already bought
the
> back up program. I also bought the USB cable....I have it connected
between
> the two computers, but what command/function do I use to accomplish the
> "copy"? I expected to find another drive listed in the "My Computer"
page,
> but not there...just C and D.....will I still be able tocopy even though
the
> lap top just keeps cycling and cycling and won't initialize?
>
> thanks for answering so quick
>
> "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote:
>
> >
> > "LoriNTroy" <LoriNTroy@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > news:CE9FB29F-3043-4527-B745-D25B5EA10B58@microsoft.com...
> > > Help!! I only know enough to be dangerous. My old Dell laptop is
having
> > > spasms...will only sign on to the Windows XP "loading"page and go no
> > further.
> > > Is there any way I can hook a USB cable up between the lap top and my
> > desk
> > > top and copy the C drive, or at least some folders FROM the C drive?
> > There
> > > are somethings I would like to recover, but not for the $500 price the
> > data
> > > recovery company wants!!
> > >
> > > thanks
> >
> > You can buy a $20.00 USB case for your laptop disk, then connect
> > it to your desktop and copy the lot.
> >
> > You should use this event as an opportunity to review your backup
> > practice. Considering a backup when disaster is staring you in the
> > face is a bad habit. Important files must be backed up to an
> > independent medium frequently, e.g. once a week.
> >
> >
> >