Many files are hidden from view so the OS can survive an accidental delete. However if you boot up another OS like I noted a few years ago, you could look around without restriction. Read http://tips.oncomputers.info/archives2004/0401/2004-Jan-11.htm
The problem with putting files on any other device is simple. Given the reliability issues, did you have another copy to recover them from?
Bob
I want to save as many gigabytes as possible. because like I said in a previous post for some reason my computer has abunch of 'ghost files' that I am unable to see delete or compress.

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