I frequently used to have to backup customers data files prior to performing a complete reload of their Windows systems. I found the most dependable hassle free method to do this was using a run from cd/dvd/usb version of Linux and copying the files to an USB external drive or via a network connection to a storage system on my network.
I found this was the most hassle free method to use. Any time I tried performing this task through a Windows based method it always required tedious time wasting baby sitting of the process as Windows or software running in Windows would inevitably interfere in some way and require my interaction. With the Linux method I could start the process and generally count on it to continue the transfer fie process without me having to waste time monitoring the file copy or stepping in to bypass some ridiculous Windows popup that had stopped the file copy process. With Linux I could start the process and walk away to focus on other important issues knowing that the Linux based solution could be depended upon to continue working to completion without me needing to monitor the process.
Linux can run from a CD, DVD, or USB drive. It will read Windows file systems without forcing you to login into Windows, Over the years that I worked as a computer tech I saved the data of probably hundreds of customers using this method. It works, costs nothing, and is way less hassle than trying to do this with Windows or Windows software based solutions.
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