Critical Hard-Drive question

My laptop crashed. I CAN NOT AFFORD to lose my date so when I went to install vista. its needs about 7.3 GB I only have 7.1 to use. Is there to get passed this? Or does windows 7 use less? I really cant lose this data.

I would Recommend using an Ubuntu live CD To retrieve all your Data and Back it up

After that Format the HDD and Install Windows Vista

See http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/68767-clean-install.html For More Information

You will need to Download and Burn a Live Disk yourself using another Computer

See Download | Ubuntu For More Information


Hope This Helps,
Josh

I think tht my friend, Josh has given sage advice. Just want to supplement his information on how to do the actual back up with Ubuntu

Use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from Your Dead Windows Computer - How-To Geek

Will this make a windows.old folder for me to grab my files?

You get your files with the ubuntu OS. You do not need windows.old
If you want windows.old
Install the new OS (seven) as an upgrade not a clean install.
Then when you get your stuff, do it over and do a clean install.

I got it back with the live disc. thank you so much!

We are all glad that it worked for you.

Hello I'm not sure if you have this on your system or not but it's a idea.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/81381-readyboost.html

Glad you got it sorted and Congrats on Guru americancritic