If I have pictures/files on one user, can I make a new user then move my files over to that user?

Yes, but you might need to be an admin. To access other users files, go to “My computer,” then your HD, then “Users” then the username, then finally the folder of theirs that you want.

It depends. If your folders were made on a windows XP user account Vista may require you to “take over ownership” I strongly advise against this as if you do you will probably be unable to login to that account again on Windows XP when you get your power supply working again.

The best option is to use a linux based OS to access the files and copy them to an unprotected folder such as c:\files\

you can run some versions of linux from a CD so you don’t even have to install it. Just download ubuntu, put it on disc, boot from the disc, access the hard drive you want and copy the files to a USB stick or another folder on the hard drive. Sorted.

Locations of the documents on XP: documents and settings/username… etc.
on Vista it will be Users\username etc.