If the computer has a DVD drive, drop a LIVE LINUX DVD into the drive and boot to it. I'd suggest Linux Mint 17.3 as easiest for such an older computer. You can get one cheap for $6 at osdisc.com or create your own from download at linuxmint.com site. This will allow you to boot to DVD, run the file manager in linux mint, and copy all your files from the hard drive onto a USB flashdrive. After you save your files, on the same Mint disc should be a program called "Disks" you can use to check the HDD and see if it's failing, check it's SMART values too. Sounds like it is.
I have an Acer Aspire 4GBDDR3 500 GB HDD that is probably 7 years old. It would shut down with heat at times but I have enjoyed this computer and do not look forward to losing Windows 7. My last backup was probably a year ago and I have no excuse for it. There are pictures and documents I would like to retrieve. I got an error screen that starts in 00000 ending with E9 ( my daughter says). The message said something is loose. I last saw the computer trying to load files and failing. It tried 3 times before I closed it and went for a walk.
My daughter says I will not be able to save anything via USB as Windows won't load. Help is appreciated. Speak slowly and clearly as my computer knowledge is limited. Thanks.

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