but do you have 10.4, 10.5, or 10.6 or earlier? does you computer turn on? are you able to get to the desktop of your computer? can you define "mess" whats it doing, or what is it not doing...
there are many ways to backup your files from the time machine, to using a external or setting your computer up as a external (target mode) but what the best route is, depends on your situation ;D
The Mac OS X version is listed in my signature. My computer is fine- Norton though messed with OS X files, preventing me from doing things (such as open a Guest account). Since I need to create a Guest account on occasion, and OS X won't let me (something about writeconfig wanting a password to a keychain- a password that I never set-
for any keychain- yes I tried my administrative password, blank etc.) the best route to fix this is reinstalling the OS. Oh, and I know I should've said this to begin with, but this is on my MacBook.
I don't want to lose my files, but since I know that Time Machine backs up OS X files, I don't want the problem recreated. And I don't want to use Target Disk Mode or Migration Assistant. I want a fresh, clean slate- with my music, photos, documents, Safari bookmarks and programs.