Saving files after motherboard died

As some of you may know my motherboard died just recently (moment of silence please.....) and i was wondering if there was any way to retrieve the files on the HDD aside from sticking it in a different computer and accessing them that way.

I dont know if you can partition the drive after swapping motherboards and reinstall windows onto the new partition but maybe its worth a try? Or is it even possible

 

would just replacing the motherboard work?

 

If you have another machine, put the hard drive in that and see if it boots.

If not, then do a Repair (XP?).

If you're changing the motherboard, do a Repair to retrieve your files (may even boot without a Repair), then format and install Windows.

 

Im waiting until my friend can get me an XP disk since my computer didnt come with one Is there any version of Linux I could salvage my files with?

 

I would assume Knoppix or similar, but I'm no expert on Linux.

You may get away with just installing the new motherboard and seeing if it boots.

If not, you haven't really lost anything.

 

Here is some info/links on Knoppix from goldfish if you are interested.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=89647&highlight=knoppix

Steve

 

installed my new mobo, didnt even have to reformat. strange, hmm? it automatically detected everything and even cahnged the drivers. I was very surprised. All my files are intact so no need for the rescue. Thanks for the input.