@glennhansen_ If you can get a bootable USB to run, I'd recc a Linux distro (like Knoppix) and that'll be the boot. You can then try and get his files/docs off the drive and then do a wipe.
@glennhansen_ I've had to do that with a laptop, had to reinstall Win7 or 10, don't remember which (I think it was 7!) Got all my ebooks off, didn't lose anything. Backup your stuff, people!!!
PS: I'm actually going to be doing the same thing you are to another lappy this weekend, win10 tho.
@kismatt I'll be happy when this is done and dusted. It took me 20 mins to talk him into upgrading to Win 10/11 (my father-in-law is 90, but is still fully competent). Finally got him with the argument that, as a former engineer, he must understand the risk of using an OS that isn't supported anymore and how he's wide open to viruses, trojans and just about any attack that's less than 10 years old.
@kismatt OK, certainly worth a go.
Thanks!