Is there anyway to use the Asus ExpressGate OS to back up files off the hard drive?

My windows just failed on me and I'll most likely have to do a factory image recovery in order to use my Asus G51 again.
See http://forum.notebookreview.com/windows-os-software/509883-windows-failed-start.html for background on the problem

My asus express gate OS still works though and I am able to see attached USB devices such as an external hard drive.
I am also able to move files around and copy paste within the external hard drive.
Is there ANY way I could have have a file manager pulled up to backup my files off my C drive using the asus expressgate OS?
I really want to be able to recover these files before doing a factory image restore.

If not the asus express gate, are there any programs out there that will be able to run off of my attached USB device to open up a file manager?

Desperately in need of help, thank you so much,
Freelancer

 

Hirens boot cd / ultimate boot cd / ubuntu live cd / windows based live recovery iso-s /any live os
Every live os iso can be used from dvd or from usb flashdrive.

Expressgate is a dumbed down linux distro too.

 

You can also take your drive out, put it into an enclosure/desktop, and then use it as an external hdd and recover files that way. I'd opt for the Linux distros sama suggested, though.