How do I retrieve files from a non-bootable MacBook drive?

[VandyCurt]

I have a non-bootable MacBook hard drive and I am trying to figure out how I could retrieve files from it (in particular I am interested in the program files). I have been thinking about purchasing an external enclosure to see if I could mount the drive in it. Would I be simply be wasting my time in trying this? If so, what would you suggest to "rescue" this information? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[BigPrince]

Try booting off an external. Try booting off your CD's to see if you can see the drive. Try booting in "Target Disk Mode" to see if your computer will mount to another mac.

 

[VandyCurt]

Wasn't able to boot the machine as long as the hard drive was still mounted in the machine. I tried using the CD drive and an external drive for the boot, but always ended up back at the "white" screen with the giant folder icon. Does this mean I've lost all of the files on the drive?

 

[BigPrince]

Did you try target disk mode?

The disks you tried were bootable correct?