How can I rescue my hd files?

I have Ubuntu installed on a hard disk and am trying to retrieve some files from my Home directory.

The system wont boot due to a grub 17 error and cannot mount using KNOPPIX: (cannot mount filesystem. couldnt determine filesystem and none was specified). Although it does see the disk.

Here is root >fdisk -l
Disk /dev/hdb: 10.1 GB, 10110320640 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 1229 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes

Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System
/dev/hdb1 * 1 1183 9502416 83 Linux
/dev/hdb2 1184 1229 369495 5 Extended
/dev/hdb5 1184 1229 369463+ 82 Linux swap

I tried to reinstall grub using Knoppix as root :
grub>
chroot /dev/mnt hdb1 grub-install /dev/hdb

Error 27: Unrecognized command.

I would be greatful if anyone could help. I have tried all sorts of different things and scoured Ubuntu, Google and this forum without getting this solved and am running out of options.
I know that the answer lies in using Knoppix, if only I knew how.

Thanks

























9

Sorry.
This should have gone into the HARDWARE section. Feel free to move it.

I do not see a problem with fdisk's hdb1 so problem might be in the Volume Boot Record.
In a root console run TESTDISK , if it is the VBR it will be fixed. If you do not have Knoppix latest version, testdisk may not work. More help useing testdisk is at http://www.cgsecurity.org/index.html?testdisk.html
At one of testdisk's screeens you can hilight the partition and use 'p' to do a directory listing.

Thanks. I hadn't heard of Testdisk, very useful, but unfortunately due to my ineptness I screwed up the files while trying to use it.
Resolution: I MUST MAKE BACKUPS OF MY FILES!!!!