How can I backup files outside Windows XP?

Is there a way to backup/save my important files without being in a Windows environment? I have recently been having problems with my computer (IRQ sharing) and am locked out of my OS. That is, just before my Windows XP login screen appears, I get an error message that ends up rebooting my machine. It's an endless loop. Before I go repair Windows XP, I want to save some files in case something bad happens. But, without getting into a Windows-based environment, I don't know how to or where to go to save these files to a CDRW.

Any advise is much appreciated.

u could always go into DOS, i.e. hit F8 just b4 windows begins to load and then choose command prompt

i doubt you can put files onto a CD-R (or CD-RW for that matter) in DOS unless u have the DOS drivers for your writer. but u could always use good old floppy disks

extremely u could install linux or a different OS onto a separate partition/disk and yank the files off through that.

also you could put your hard drive into a friends PC and save them that way.

they're ways i would try, whether they would work or not remains to be said...

good luck with it anyhow

Try the repair.
If that doesnt work then just reinstall XP. It only takes an hour.

XP will write over its existing installation without deleting any of your documents emails and settings or anything else outside the windows folder.
As long as you dont change the HDD partition or format you'l be fine.

If all your having is new hardware problems then boot into safemode(F8 when looking for boot device) and uninstall the drivers or remove the device from device manager.

I always keep a scaled down backup OS installed on another drive. You can boot to it and do a full image of your production environment without worrying about files being in use. It is also handy if you have corrupted you main OS.