Cannot access data before BSOD

[kelsey67]

Last night I experienced a rather horrific problem on my laptop. It is a Dell Inspirion 1525 laptop that I have owned for about three years. After a reboot, I tried to log on to my desktop. However, after entering my password the blue cursor spun, as it normall does while I wait for startup. But suddenly, the cursor froze and I got a BSOD. This process repeated several times for over an hour before I finally gave up and closed my computer. I even tried starting safe mode, but once again, upon entering my password, the cursor froze and sent me to the BSOD. This is more than just a little scary for me, as I cannot even access my data to back up my files, which is why I don't want to try a system restore at this point. If I could just log in long enough to back up my data, I wouldn't be quite so worried. Right now I am forced to post this message via a computer on my college campus. If anyone could tell me how I could fix this problem, I would be very grateful.

 

[richc46]

System restore should not affect your stuff, just the Operating System.

See if you can get in this way

If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD

The Vista recovery disk is used to boot Vista when it won't boot - to run Startup Repair, System Restore, access a Command Line, Recover using a Vista Backup Image, etc.
System Recovery Options

If Vista will not start now, boot the Recovery CD to run Startup Repair which automates System Restore as well as numerous other tests including System File Checker which can repair system files which are not corrupted beyond repair.

If Vista still will not start, try booting into Safe Mode to run sfc /scannow to repair System files.
Special Thanks Given to Seven Forums.




Below is a bulletin distributed by MS to explain the start up procedure when Windows will not boot.

• Startup Repair. Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting. Startup Repair is located on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows Vista installation disc. If your computer has preinstalled recovery options, it might also be stored on your computer's hard disk. For more information, see Startup Repair: frequently asked questions and What are the system recovery options in Windows Vista? If your computer does not include Startup Repair, your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.
• Change restart settings in safe mode. If your computer is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and then fails again repeatedly, restart your computer in safe mode and select the Disable automatic restart on system failure checkbox. For more information, see Advanced startup options (including safe mode).
• Reinstall. If no other options have solved the problem, and you are sure that your computer's hardware is functioning normally, you might need to reinstall Windows. A custom (clean) installation of Windows will permanently delete all of the files on your computer and reinstall Windows, so only use this option if all other recovery options have been unsuccessful. After the installation, you will need to reinstall your programs and restore your files from backup copies. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows**.

I doubt that it will work, if it does not you can try to save your stuff using this method
Use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from Your Dead Windows Computer - How-To Geek

When it locks in safe mode, usually points toward hardware or drivers.

If you use the repair partition, that you may have, you will lose your stuff. The options are rather limited if you want to save your documents. Back up in the future.