Hello
The simplest way is downloading PuppyLinux
http://puppylinux.org/main/Long-Term-Su ... 0Puppy.htmand burning CD-ROM.
It is small distro (Precise Puppy 5.7.1 ISO size 156 MB) fully operating without installation.
Xiafs sounds a bit strange, as maximum file size is 64 MiB, not enough for video. Are you sure that bigger partition is not encrypted? Any way, Puppy Linux looks good for the first stage.
Notes about PuppyLinux
1. Burn CD with closed track and leave disc open - Puppy can store personal settings on the same CD.
2. In this small distro You can see info about HDD using GParted: file system, partition size, used etc.
Good luck!