I have a friend's computer that will not boot. I get the Windows splash screen but then I get a message that Windows did boot properly the last time and will use the last known configuration. I can also choose Safe Mode if I want.

All of these options when I choose them give me an error message of 0x0000006B (or one very similar) which is a problem with the hard drive (duh). I need to run Chkdsk but my friend can not find his Dell disk.

1) Can I use my XP CD and go into Repair to run Chkdsk or do I need the disk that came with the computer?

2) Should I use Chkdsk /r or Chkdsk /f ?

3) Since I will be booting with the CD do I still need to lock the drive?

4) Is there a free diagnostic/boot CD I can download that will do what I want which is better than the XP CD?

Please note that my friend has not bothered to backup so he needs the info on the hard drive. As such I am trying to avoid any destructive process including a reinstall. I am hoping that if I have to do a reinstall or an over the top reinstall, that I can gain access to his drive with a Linux Live CD (Knoppix or Ubuntu).

Thanks for any suggestions.

Doc