The Knoppix "bootable CD" is by far the best option. I've recovered key data from several scrambled Windows installations that way.
All you need then is a "plugin" drive (eg a USB one) and you can copy off your stuff.
Failing that, the next best is to slave the "HD with the data" on a different PC.
DON'T attempt to reinstall anything - that's a good recipe to lose the lot.