bad hard drive-windows xp wont boot

[mera1]

Getting message that "Pri Master SMART Status BAD, Backup and replace. Press
F1 to resume." When press F1, Windows starts to boot then get message
"Windows did not start successfully". Gives options to start windows in safe
mode, last known good configuration, and normal. Tried all, but just keeps
looping starting with the "Pri Master" message above. How can I backup data
when cant get into windows? Do I try a bootable CD to get into windows and
try to backup files before hard drive totally fails? Or is this the end of
the road?

 

[Nepatsfan]

Getting message that "Pri Master SMART Status BAD, Backup and replace. Press
F1 to resume." When press F1, Windows starts to boot then get message
"Windows did not start successfully". Gives options to start windows in safe
mode, last known good configuration, and normal. Tried all, but just keeps
looping starting with the "Pri Master" message above. How can I backup data
when cant get into windows? Do I try a bootable CD to get into windows and
try to backup files before hard drive totally fails? Or is this the end of
the road?

You can certainly try the bootable CD router and see if you can recover your
files. Another option would be to take the hard drive out of the problem
computer and put it into a working system as a slave drive. Make the appropriate
changes to the jumpers. You may also need to take ownership of your old files.

"Access is Denied" Error Message When You Try to Open a Folder
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810881

How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

Note: If you are running Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, you
must start the computer in safe mode, and then log on with an
account that has Administrative rights to have access to the
Security tab. To start in Safe Mode, reboot your computer and
start tapping the F8 key as soon as you see anything displayed
on the screen. Keep hitting F8 until the Advanced Startup
Options menu appears. Use the up and down arrow keys on your
keyboard to select Safe Mode. Hit Enter.

Good luck

Nepatsfan