I've had a similar problem about a year ago. And as serious as the problem was, I mean some major shit went down with this computer that I thought it was a total wash, the comp techs were able to retrieve the data from the toasted hard drive or most of it. But because of that experience, I have learned to do back ups now. Something that I just was very lax in doing prior to this.

FYI...just in case you don't know this, I was ask to write down what I especially wanted saved from the hard drive. It might be a good idea for you to do that ahead of time. Jot down has much info as you can remember that is saved. It helps make their job a bit easier...somehow. I don't know how, just that it does or so I was told.

;-)