Will Imac/Ibook recognize Windows XP backup file?

Hi. My PC (XP) is dying this morning. I will have an Ibook but not for 2 weeks. I need to back up my PC files to external hardrive in such a way as to then be able to transfer them to the Ibook. I usually use the Windows XP backup utility and it saves the files as one backup file. Is this recognized by the Ibook? Or should I drag each folder (my docs etc) directly to the external hardrive and then will I be able to just drag them onto the Mac? Please help as soon as possible as my PC is dying and I may only have a few hours before it's gone... Thanks!