Best Live Linux CD for rescuing Windows system?

[volcs0]

I'm going over to my Dad's who's PC is "dead" - won't boot, etc. I really just want to wipe the drive and do a re-install of XP for him. I'd like to back up his Documents folder first, if possible.

Which Linux live distro is most suited to this task? I have Slax and Mint ready to go - does it really matter? I just want to mount the drive and copy the files over to another drive (eg. my MBP).

Thanks.

[rz]

I did the same thing with Ubuntu back when it was v6.10. It really shouldn't matter though.

[ztirffritz]

Ubuntu is probably the most widely available and has some of the best support.

[onthedownlow]

If possible, just pull the drive and connect it to an external USB board/case and copy off the files that way, and then reinstall XP with a full (not 'Quick') of the drive.

....otherwise, any of the suggested Live discs should be fine.

[Sam3]

I've used Knoppix http://www.knoppix.net/ in the past. It seems really geared toward such operations.