best software option to retrieve files on mac?

Hey guys, what's the easiest and safest way to retrieve files and folders from a mac's HDD without having to take out the drive and connect to another mac please?

Is this on a system where the OS isn't working? If so, then your two options are the the ones you seem inclined not to do..

Raz0rEdge said:

Is this on a system where the OS isn't working?

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Yes. I see, I am looking for a windows type alternative like Acronis or similar to boot off the unit's dvd drive to retrieve file and folders.

What version of OS X was running on this Mac? If Lion on-ward, you can hold down CMD+r during boot up to get into the Recovery partition to either re-install OS X. If prior to Lion, then you need the original OS X disc that came with the Mac to get anywhere...

But as far as running some sort of a recovery tool right out of the DVD, there are a few that you can purchase, but I don't know which one is good..

Perhaps other members have different ideas..

Thank you very much for the help info! I am now learning Mac "Software" repair and that is why I am looking into how to attack different problems with software so hopefully someone will chime in and can refer me to a known good recovery tool which they have actually used themselves. I never go by what reviews I am seeing on the net, I always try to seek out a reliable and trusted source first.