Stick an Ubuntu CD and boot from the CD (NOT INSTALL), see if you can open the hard drive and look at files etc.
https://tutorials.ubuntu.com/tutorial/try-ubuntu-before-you-install
Assuming 1-3 are already done with no results...
In the past what I've done to copy files from a boot drive that wasn't cooperating was to use an ubuntu boot disk that can load without installing, then I accessed the drive from ubuntu, copied the files off and then repaired or fresh reinstalled windows on the drive from recovery partition or disk. Then copied the files back where they belong.
However that assumes the drive is even still functional. If it's on its way out, you might try putting the appropriate windows recovery disk in there and using it to run chkdsk /r on the drive from cmd.
Thanks for this. I never would've considered ubuntu as I've never needed to work with it prior.
Why I am feeling you are already the helpful guy in the friendzone?
I'm not. We've already made out before, and flirt often.
Fixing computers does not impress girls. Do it just because you want to be helpful.
That's more or less why I offered. I guess my thread title is misleading.