How to transfer files from a computer that will only run in safe mode?

C5733: How to transfer files from a computer that will only run in safe mode?
I have an old computer that gets a blue error screen (when trying to boot up), then auto-restarts. The only way to access this computer is through safe mode.

I have purchased a new computer, but still need some important tax info off the old one, for my 2008 taxes.

I have never transferred files from one computer to another, let alone from one that only boots up on safe mode to the other.

If this is not possible, is there another way I can get the files on my new computer?

Answers and Views:

Answer by bob j
You should be able to use a usb drive which I think will work in safe mode. Usb drives are pretty cheap now so it’s a good solution and you could use it later to backup files.

Second option is to use a cross over cable and connect the two via a network connection but this is a lot more complicated.

Answer by Brian D
Well there are a few ways you can do this. One is to just take the hard drive out of the old computer and put it into the new computer and if you know the location of the files then bingo your done. BUT this might not work if your new computer uses sata cable and your old one is probably ide. So then you could also try using a usb stick to just copy the files off of the old computer or you could just run the windows install on the computer but choose the repair option that way your files shouldn’t be harmed only thing that might happen is some of your apps may not work correctly but if its only tax files your after you should be ok.

Answer by Ernie B
1) Try burning the files to CD or copying to a USB drive
2) Remove the drive from the Bad computer. Install it as a second drive on a working computer. Note: if the working computer and the Bad computer hd’s are both IDE drives set the jumpers on the Working computer drive to Master and the Bad computer drive to Slave.

Good Luck

Answer by stanleyb51
All of the above are good ideas, you can also try to repair the windows from the cd and then you can gain normal access to your files and your CD RW will be operating, so you can burn your own CD or you can connect your machine to the network.

Answer by sm
Copy the files to a USB drive. This is the easiest way to transfer files from a computer to an external drive. Then transfer the files from the USB drive to the new computer. You should be able to get a 1GB USB drive for about $ 20.