I would like to back up using Knoppix but I don't know whether my OEM-installed XP Pro is NTFS or FAT32. How can I determine this in an unbootable computer?
Also, I have an external HD by Maxtor. I don't know if it is NTFS or FAT32 and I have already saved files on it.
If I use Knoppix to backup my HD to the Maxtor, then I may delete both the internal HD files and the Maxtor files, right?
What should I do in order to-

a) Backup my files safely using Knoppix
b) Repair the Error

Laptop Details:
IBM T40
30MB
512 RAM
OS: XP PRO

Error Details:
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt.
c\windows\system32\config\system
You can attempt to repair this file by starting windows setup using the original setup CD-ROM (I can't do this since XP was OEM installed)
If I can't repair the error, can I just use Knoppix as my OS?
By the way, I am waiting to receive my Knoppix CD.

Thanks much.