install to dell x200 with firewire CD ROM?

I want to make a Knoppix boot disk so that I can rescue some files off my almost dead HD, which will no longer boot XP, but still runs (mostly). The X200 has no floppy or CD ROM, except for a firewire external. Has anyone tried this? I suppose I could use a memory stick, instead, maybe? Help?

I'm a newbie to this; mea culpa if I'm asking the wrong question or am in the wrong place.

Many thanks,
C

I've used a USB floppy drive to boot before, but to be sure, check your BIOS to see if there's an option to boot from an external drive.

Turns out my external was indeed in the boot string; the Knoppix CD worked just great and I got all the files I needed. What a lifesaver! Whew!