new mobo, nothing works, need way to backup files

[stratocaster27]

Dell just recently installed a new motherboard in my crap-top because of a whole bunch of things wrong with it. They "reccomend" that i re-install windows since its a new motherboard. I have important files on the stupid laptop that i cant backup. I dont have a floppy drive, cd burner, networking doesnt work (cant get online). Nothing works. I bought a USB thumbdrive and it doesnt recognize it. The computer im on now recognizes it. My USB optical mouse works on the laptop but the thumb drive doesnt... Ethernet port doesnt work, my windows xp is screwed. In system properties/hardware/ device manager there is not a thing there. Usually it says i have a cpu, but i guess i dont (haha). I need a way to backup the files!

[LeftCoast]

This will allow you to connect your lappy hdd to a desktop, BU the files, and load your OS.

http://www.cablestogo.com/product.as...=906&sku=17705

You can get it at CompUSA as well.

[stratocaster27]

thank you!

[stratocaster27]

my laptop hard drive is "ata/ide" that is going to work with the adapter thigny right?

[LeftCoast]

Product Features
With the Laptop Hard Drive Adapter from Cables To Go, you can easily connect your 2.5in notebook IDE hard drive to a 40-pin IDE cable for installation in a desktop or tower PC. Each adapter features 44-pin female to 40-pin male connectors, and a power feed.
Connectors: 44-pin Female to 40-pin IDC Male
Use: Connects your 2.5in notebook IDE hard drive to a 40-pin IDE cable
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Is the lappy HDD a 2.5 inch with 44 pins?