I'm on a backup computer. All my files and passwords are on my regular computer. I really really need them.

Ok, here's what happened, We had a lightning strike which apparently went through the phone line and scrambled something on the computer. It can't connect to the internet at all, it seems to have forgotten it has a modem.
But anything else I try to do with it, it reboots. I tried and tried to burn files to cd to transfer to this other computer, but it just keeps rebooting,
Everytime the desktop comes up after rebooting, it says it has recovered from a serious error.
If I can't figure out how to fix it, I'll have to take it in to be fixed, but in the meantime, is there anything I can do to make it stop rebooting long enough to get my most important files?
It's a Compaq Presario running on WinXP.
Hope someone can help....

try to take the HD out and put it on another computer as a slave, this way you can boot from the master HD of the other computer, and transfer the files to the master HD of the other computr, or burn it to cd

Cathy also try getting your modem checked....I am presuming you have an external one... I had the same thing happen to me...lightening strike came thru the phone line and destroyed the modem and I couldn't get on the net....usually if u have an external modem the modem itself will take the hit and it doesn't go thru to your computer...at least it didn't in my case....

Have you tried booting into safe mode?

Also try removing the modem.(especially if its internal) the damaged hardware could be casuing the error, even if its a small chance.

I think windows will aalow some burning software to burn even in safemode.

Good suggestions, everyone.
I might be pretty decent with linux servers, but I'm pretty dumb when it comes to desktop windows computers.
After umpteen attempts I finally managed to get it to do the scan disk thing. Unfortunately that didn't do anything to help.
I'm unfamiliar with removing and adding disks and modems and things.
It's an internal modem, if I open the tower to remove it, what does it look like?
But I DO know how to start in safe mode. I will try if I can manage without it rebooting before I get it into safe mode.

On the positive side, the bright light probably scared the gremlins away.

Got it in safe mode (had to work really FAST before it rebooted itself).
So far, so good.

Yes, follow the cable to the card. then unscrew it (of course it needs to be off)

Then pull it from its slot. (most likly PCI, not that, that matters)

As along as your in there, search for any blackened parts.

thats why I love external modems....I don't have to figure out what to look for....lol....

F&E hope ya gots it fixed