In message <20010802132635.23720.cpmta@c011.sfo.cp.net>, James Paul writes > All, > > I have a computer (Sony Vaio Desktop machine) that will not start. > There is some important data on it I need to get off and I figured > I'd boot up with DOS and write the data from the HDD to a Parallel > Port CDROM Writer (ie Backpack). Once I get the data off, I'll > reformat the HDD and reload all the software. So what I'm looking > for is software that will allow me to use the CDROM writer from DOS. > Does anyone know of such an animal? If so, where can I get it, how > much does it cost, and how long will it take to get to me? This sounds rather expensive and pointless!, why not use LapLink (or something similar) to simply copy the data across to another machine?. If the other machine has a CD-Writer, you could then write it to CD, if you had any need to - or simply copy it back with LapLink. LapLink has been given away on various magazine disks, or you could use Interlnk/Intersrv provided with the later version of DOS. Cost in either case is either zero or very small, you can use either a parallel or serial lead, which you could make yourself or buy ready made. -- Nigel. /--------------------------------------------------------------\ | Nigel Goodwin | Internet : nigelg@lpilsley.co.uk | | Lower Pilsley | Web Page : http://www.lpilsley.co.uk | | Chesterfield | Official site for Shin Ki and New Spirit | | England | Ju Jitsu | \--------------------------------------------------------------/ -- http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.