Knoppix — The Linux Lifesaver
Knoppix is a great bootable live operating system for x86 machines (ya know, intel boxes, windows boxes) that gives you a full XWindows implementation with utiltiies, network connectivity, and more..
I’ve used this to save my butt so many times when an OS won’t boot and I need to get to the data on the drives, or edit a config file, or even just to troubleshoot a friends PC.. I suggest getting it up on your USB keychain device and BURNING A FEW SPARE CD’S WITH IT.
I keep one in the car, in a ziplock bag just in case 
Go Grab Knoppix now.