How do I save my files before my laptop dies completely??

I have a 2.5 year old Toshiba Portege laptop that's suffered a fair bit of abuse at my hands. I've been using it almost daily since the day I bought it (Boxing Day 2008) and now, with the keyboard and trackpad no longer working, and the screen hanging by a hinge, the laptop does turn on and allow me access to the Windows desktop, but I can't access any of the folders, files, or programs without it freezing at the "waiting" stage. Once in a while there are screechy noises coming from within which strongly indicates that the hard drive is dying.

I'll be buying a new laptop soon, so I am not concerned with repairing the laptop. What I'm worried is whether there is any way I can still salvage the files on this laptop? It's the photos I have on there that I don't want to lose. But how can I transfer these files on to a flash drive or a portable hard drive when I can't even access the folders?

PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!! I really want to find a way to save those files and photos.

 

Buy an external USB 2.5" HDD enclosure then remove the HDD from your computer and put it in the enclosure. You will then be able to read the HDD (unless it is damaged) by plugging it in to another computer.

John

 

Thank you, thank you! Could you link me to such an item on a website?

 

Something like this.

John

 

You can still open? try to copy and paste it into a new document.
or right click it and you should be able to change the preferences granted under..