How can I backup my files from a dead hard drive?

When I startup my mac I get a blinking question mark on a folder.
I assume I have to replace my hard drive but there are files that I absolutely cannot lose on there!
I know my files are there so how can I get to them?
I've tried holding C on bootup and nothing happened, and when I hold Option and click my boot drive, I still get the blinking question mark.
I need my files! Please help! Thank you.
-Ryan

The blinking folder doesn't necessarily mean the drive is dead but it does mean the computer cannot find a valid system to boot from. There are lots of reasons this can happen and in some cases the data can be retrieved and sometimes it cannot. You'll need a valid boot disk - holding the option key merely tells the computer you want to choose the startup drive. If you only have one startup drive and it isn't functioning, you aren't going to get anywhere.
Since you appear to have no backup (or at least a recent one) you have a couple choices. You can try starting up the computer with the restore DVD that came with the computer (hold the C key as your restart), attempt to repair the drive, and reinstall the operating system. Under no circumstances should you reformat or repartition the drive. That will destroy the data - at least in terms of recovering it inexpensively. (If after booting with the restore disc you see no hard drive, that would indicate the drive is dead.)
Unfortunately, the restore DVD doesn't let you access the Finder and data which is why I always have a clone external drive I can use to boot up the computer and access the internal drive. If you have no internal drive you can get one at virtually any big box store today - it doesn't have to have a Made for Mac symbol on it. Connect it to the computer, restart with your restore disc, and then install the operating system on the external drive. Then restart with the external drive by holding the option key as you restart. If the internal drive mounts to the desktop you can copy your files. If it doesn't mount you can attempt repairing the drive with Disk Utility.
Assuming the drive is functional, a third possibility is a piece of software called Data Recovery. This is one of the tools in my arsenal and I've had pretty good luck with it retrieving files from drives that were badly corrupted. The program must be run either from a bootable DVD or another bootable drive and it requires a drive to put the data on. I keep a copy on my external hard drive (and you can download the program.)
Good luck

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How can I backup my files from a dead hard drive?

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