Metropol

Sorry for the abruptness of this post - but if I boot Linux from a USB, will be I able to access the files from the windows installation on the hard drive? Thanks.

You should be able to. Which OS are you trying to boot from the USB

BTW the term is known as a LiveUSB

Should be fine - "boot the bugger into knoppix" is a well practised technique for getting data off a PC with a trashed Windows installation before reimaging it.