Unable to Boot Since Windows Update Installed SP1

[Nekio]

So, long story short: my system shit the bed when it attempted to I stall SP1 for Vista 32. This has apparently been a well-known issue for years now. I cannot boot the system due to several errors cropping up all over.

I can't boot normally, I get an error during what looks to be some form of file check, 287/97266 $$_branding_baseboard_en.... Etc.
I can't boot into safe mode, it gets hung up when loading ckcdisk(sp?).
I can't run System Repair from the boot menu or repair disc, it gets stuck in an endless loop saying that it is repairing files, but there is no HD activity.
I can't run System Restore, it gets stuck in an endless loop stating it is "Finalizing file restore."
I can't "upgrade" Vista with my disc, which is 4 years old, because the installation program says that option is disabled.

That leaves a few options:
1. Clean reinstall. Problem: I have some files on my desktop that I have recently been working on that I REALLY don't want to lose, and hadn't yet gotten around to backing up remotely. I don't have any experience getting files off PCs without Explorer. I honestly have no problem with this, I just need some help getting those files off my comp.
2. Maybe a newer version of the Vista restore discs would allow for a "repair/upgrade" install, preserving my files. I have asked Dell to send me said disc, but I have no clue if they can/will, or if it will even work.
3. Some magic third option where one of y'all genius-types tells me "run 'c:/system32/windows/easybutton'" and then magically my woes are long forgotten.

Figures this happens two hours before my Portal 2 preorder goes live.

P.S. I did a looot of Internet and BG forum searches. Lots of "my shit is fucked", not many suggestions.

[hey]

If you have another computer available, you can put the HDD into it, retrieve your stuff, and then reinstall.

If not, you can use a linux live cd to boot linux, which should allow you to recover your stuff.

You could also reinstall windows without reformatting the hdd, retrieve your stuff, then do a clean install. Obviously not the best choice, but you can do it with just the install disks.

There are of course many other ways to retrieve your files, but one of those should do just fine.

[Nekio]

I can't do a Windows install without reformatting. That option is disabled for some reason. Looks like my best bet is to run Linux off a disc. I presume that would give me USB and/or DVD-R capability? Where might I find a copy of said disk?

[hey]

I can't do a Windows install without reformatting. That option is disabled for some reason.

Interesting.

ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download should do fine. You can run it off either a cd, or a usb drive.

[Nekio]

Yeah, looking into it it seems you can't "upgrade" ie repair a Vista installation if you have a new version than your disc, which includes service packs. It's frustrating.

As for Linux, what I meant was using Linux off a disc to write personal files onto a DVD or move them to a Flashdrive. That will be possible right?

[hey]

I have no idea if you can write them to a dvd (unless you have multiple dvd drives i guess), but you can definitely write them to a usb drive