Ok, I will try to explain this as best as I can! I was using an older Toshiba laptop, got a Trojan, and now it won't boot up. I just purchased a new Toshiba laptop. I want to take apart the old laptop and some how hook up the old hard drive to the new laptop so I can get some files off the old hard drive. I'm pretty tech savy, but have never actually taken apart a laptop. AND, I don't even know if this can be done. Can anyone give me some guidance, or perhaps refer me to a "Computer-taking-apart-guide-for dummies"? lol - any help would be greatly appreciated!

I would suggest that you consider a live linux cd to copy over data. Get the Knoppix 5.1.1 cd. Boot to the CD. It will look like windows and allow you to use a usb to copy over files. "Best Practices", Event viewer, host file, perfmon, antivirus, anti-spyware, Live CD's, backups, are in my top 10

I would try and do what is suggested above before you start taking about the computer. But if you do get to the point where you have to take it a part i would look on the Toshiba website for instructions for removal of hardware. Usually the hard drive is easily removed by one or two screws on the bottom and then it slides out. Not the problem your going to face when it is out is how do you connect it to another computer. You can connect it by getting an adopter. I would try the first suggestion as the later is way more work. Hire a Geek - Computer Help

Ok, this is a great start! Now let me clarify further to make sure I am getting the correct response - The old computer has Windows XP. The computer will turn on and display the Windows login screen. When you select login, it quickly flashes the desktop, then immediately logs you back out. I do not have a Windows Recovery CD, and I have already spoken with both Toshiba and Microsoft - who both state the hard drive must simply be formatted in order to work again. So with this being said, is the first response above still the appropriate response? Furthermore, am I reading it correctly: I must obtain this Knoppix 5.1.1 CD, place it in the CD drive on the old laptop, hopefully be able to boot from this CD, and then I should be able to see the files located on my desktop that I want to save to a USB drive? Sorry all - I'm trying so hard to make sure I get this right. I have over 500 songs and over 1000 pictures on that old hard drive and I really don't want to lose them! And THANKS for your help so far! Jason C.

One more thing - I have reviewed the Knoppix website. Is it possible for me to download this file using my new laptop which runs Vista, burn the file to a CD using the new laptop, and then run it in the old laptop that is Windows XP?

THANKS TO ALL! Based on your advice, I was able to solve my problem - issue closed!