backing up files through DOS

SINCE i'm having issues with xp/safe mode etc...i can manage to get into dos, how do i backup some files with dos and an external hard drive?
i know the folder locations, just want to know what i need to do, thanks.

 

These guys explain the basics of copying files in dos...
http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/tips/doshelp.html

should just be as easy as copy "file" to d: (or??) just cant remember the exact sequence

hopetathelped

 

I love DOS!

First question. Is your file system set as NTFS or FAT32?

Fat32 would be easy to fix.

if you have a formatted NTFS/FAT32 drive, you MAY (never tried this) be able to hook up this drive to your computer, via the IDE cables, then boot into recovery console and copy the files over.

 

Have you posted the "xp/safemode etc." issues, or are you just planning on backing up and reinstalling?

Steve

 

in dos it would be (copy "drive letter":\"path"\"file name" "drive to be copyed to":\)

 

well after doing a regseeker sweep, decided to restart, then couldn't log on normally nor through any of the safe modes.
tried to do an xp repair, through the main install window, still nothing.
i got a flash of a screen with a memory dump and some numbers, too fast to write them down.
so i said screw it and reinstalled the OS.
thanks regardless guys, really appreciate the replies, hard to find in other groups.