My favorite utility for performing a computer reboot when it becomes necessary to recover
Computer Reboot
files or repair a non-functioning Windows is to use Linux Live CD. There are many Open Source and free utilities that will help to correct a number of Windows issues. Linux Live CDs are easy to use and there are several to choose from.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is one of the most popular Live CD Linux operating systems that has many great utilities built-in. The developers have created a very user friendly environment with many and are constantly upgrading and adding new features.
Slax
Slax is another very popular Linux Live CD that can be easily remastered (modified) to create a valuable troubleshooting resource for the computer tech. I like to add network analysis utilities, such as, Wireshark and nMap to help analyze and troubleshoot networking issues.
When you reboot the computer with a Live CD you need to first set the BIOS so that the CDROM is the first boot device. You can usually get to the BIOS setup by holding down the Delete key when you first boot or start-up the computer. Once inside Setup you need to select the boot order and change it so that the CDROM is the first boot device instead of the hard drive. Save the settings and restart the computer with the Live CD in the CDROM. The computer should begin loading the the Linux operating system form the CD. This will take a few minutes,but once complete you will have control of the computer from the operating system on the Live CD instead of the hard drive. Now it is a simple procedure of retrieving files by just copying them from the hard drive to a USB flash drive or other external device. At this time you can also scan the hard drive for viruses, repair boot issues, and correct other Window issues that might be preventing it from starting. Live CDs are one of the best resources to have in your tool kit when Windows begins to act up and you need to perform a computer reboot.