Computer not booting OS

Lyth: Few things.

1.) While it's easier to say than do, basically tell them if they get a virus on the computer, you'll take away access from it. If they get pissed, tell them that they obviously aren't surfing smart or with the right protection.

2.) Also, IF and only IF they are using your computer, make accounts with restrictive properties. It they start saying how it isn't fair, bring up they have gotten several viruses. Put up a very restrictive firewall, and anti-virus.

3.) With that being said, live disc is fine to use. You do NOT install the OS. It's what I used on my father's computer to rescue some old files he needed from a bummed HDD. Keep in mind the following, THERE IS A CHANCE YOU WILL LOSE DATA NO MATTER IF YOU GO THIS ROUTE OR REMOVE THE HDD AND INSTALL IT INTO ANOTHER COMPUTER. The basic reasoning is the HDD is being used to access data. So no matter which route you go, it could STILL happen, and unless your family wishes to pay a few hundred for professional data retrieval (which also isn't a 100 percent guarantee), this is the best route to go.

Jam it back in, in the dark.