I noted this over a decade ago at http://tips.oncomputers.info/archives2004/0401/2004-Jan-11.htm
Today we do that or put the HDD from the bad PC into some USB case for the owner to copy out files.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND FIXING WINDOWS UNTIL THE FILES ARE SAFE.
Be sure to unplug all USB connections and try again. HP has had issues about that.
I was getting a constant warning about my ink cartridge so I uninstalled my printer to reinstall. Now my PC will not take me to my logon. It comes on and shows windows loading but it just takes me to a picture (scenery) and will not pop up my logon field. Someone please help! I’m going to purchase a new PC but I need to be able to log on to my old one to transfer files.

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