Computer crashed, now I want to move my files

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Level 1

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Computer crashed, now I want to move my files

My computer crashed a few weeks ago and before re-install Leopard I want to move some of my files onto an external harddrive. WHAT KEYS should I press while I start up my computer to get to the right screen? As in, when I start up my computer I want to see a screen that lists all my files so I can copy some onto an external harddrive. I have already tried copying my entire harddrive and that did not work.

I really need to know how to copy these files onto an external harddrive, so please don't just tell me to do archive and install!

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5)

Posted on Nov 7, 2009 2:53 PM

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Answer 1

baltwo

Level 9

62,362 points

Nov 7, 2009 4:30 PM in response to laurenlauren

Not enough information. Crashes usually indicate software issues. Exactly what's wrong with the computer? We waste time guessing. Which computer, what kind of ext HD, how connected, what happened, etc. are needed for troubleshooting.

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Answer 2

Clint P.

Level 1

35 points

Nov 7, 2009 5:48 PM in response to laurenlauren

If you have access to another Mac, connect the two together with a firewire cable (hopefully you have a FW port). And plug your external drive into the other Mac as well (not sure if you could just leave it plugged into the Macbook).

Now power up your macbook (the other computer should already be running) and hold down the "T" until you see a floating FW symbol. Your Macbook should show up on the desktop of the other Mac. You should be able to drag your Home folder or whatever files you need to the external drive.

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