Have you explored all the Vista repair options?
See here for a full list:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial148.html
Typically,recovering your files requires you run the "Restore" option of
your backup program. Your email folders may or may not be there,
depending on what backup options you selected and what program you used.



-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [PCBUILD] Vista Wont Boot
From: John Clemence <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thu, December 03, 2009 2:27 am
To: [log in to unmask]

Hi, I posted this on the software list but was told to post here as it
relates to getting files from an external H.D. back-up. 
My notebook battery died the other day, I think when windows was being
updated. Since then It wont start up. I tried the "repair pc" option
when using the Vista cd but no joy. 
I had previously backed up to an external H.D. and I am wondering if I
do a complete Vista re-install, loosing all my stuff, can I access the
missing stuff from the external H.D that I had previously backed up? I
am particularly keen to get copies of my email folders.
 I had tried plugging the external H.D. into another pc, (running
windows 7), I also tried taking out the notebook H.D. and putting it in
a usb dock - I saw lots of entries but did not know which ones to open
and which to leave well alone!
Any advise would be really appreciated.
Regards,
John.

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