I'm an absolute ubuntu newbie with limited computer skills. I want to use ubuntu but am having difficulties. My first project is to try to retrieve files from an unbootable hard drive running Windows XP using a ubuntu live CD.

I've downloaded ubuntu 12.04 desktop and burned the image to a CD correctly (I think). I loaded it into the pc and selected "Try ubuntu without installing" - and that's where the problem starts.

The online instructions read "select Places/Computer - this should show you your hard drive" But no such menu exists as far as I can see.

I need to know whether there is some way of getting ubuntu to recognise the other drives on the pc, and how to open a new terminal in order to write the commands, etc.

I've looked for a guide for this but without success. All help gratefully received.