BleepingComputer.com: Copy files in DOS to USB drive

I think I'm going to have to reformat my hard drive since Windows won't boot. I'm way too rust on DOS to be able to copy my files to a CD without some help. I can get to the root directory (C:) but need some seroius help with the commands that will let me save these files.

Can someone please help me?

There are 4 users set up on this computer and I'd like to be able to save all documents undereach user name.

Windows will not boot and before I wipe the disc I want to save some documents. CAn I save to a USB drive and how do I get the computer to recognize the device?

looks possible http://www.bootdisk.com/usb.htm
also a linux live cd could be used as well

google search for "dos usb driver" (no quotes) turns up lots of info

Windows XP and Vista do not use DOS


You can access the drive using a Linux LIVE CD
Or you can burn a boot CD


Let's now create a boot disc so that you can access your files and folders.....

*** Please print these instructions ***

• Download Hiren's BootCD Iso to the desktop of a clean computer.
  
• Extract the zipped HirensBootCD.zip to your desktop.
  
• Open the extracted HirensBootCD folder and extract the zipped HirensBootCD.iso.
  
• Double click the BurnToCD.cmd bat file contained in the HirensBootCD folder. This will launch BurnCDCC.
  
• Insert a blank CD in your drive.
  
• Press Start. This will burn the image to disc. After it has completed...
  
• Restart your sick computer and boot from the HBCD you created.
  • If your PC is not booting from the CD, you need to change the boot order:
    • Restart your PC
      
    • As soon as you get an image, press the Setup key. This is usually F2, F10, F12 or Del. On some machines the key can also be a different one. It should, however, be stated on the screen which key is the setup key.
      
    • Once you enter the computer's BIOS, use the arrow keys and tab key to move between elements. Press enter to select an item to change.
      
    • Navigate to the tab, where you can set the boot order. It should be called Boot or Boot order
      
      
    • The tab should now show your current boot order.
      
    • If the CD-drive is not at the top, please navigate to the CD-Rom drive with the keys arrows. Then move it to the top of the list. The keys for switching boot position are usually + to move up and - to move down. However they can be different, but they should be stated in the help, so that you can find them easily.
      
    • Once the CD-drive is on top of the boot order, navigate to Exit and select Exit saving changes.
    
    
  • Your PC should now boot from your CD.
    
  • Click to select any options that are required to start the computer from the CD-ROM drive if you are prompted.
  
  
• When the CD boots choose "Start MiniWindowsXP". Allow Windows to load. You will see a typical Windows Desktop.
  
• You will be able to access your sick drive and save files/folders from here.

This post has been edited by garmanma: 19 December 2009 - 09:39 PM

Thank you!!!

thanx... its a good tools..

If you had DOS on your system, use the following commands down below.
When in your C:\ drive, it will look like this:

C:\

To copy something (e.g. ComboFix), do this:

C:\ copy C:\ComboFix D:\

(Where D: is your destination drive. If not D, do any other letter.)

There you go!
-----------------
CompExpert

Hiren's is awesome!!! Thank you so much for suggesting this tool/s!!

You could do the aboved meantioned, but I personally use the xcopy command.