| Assuming you only have one partition on the hard drive (only C: and no second 'disc' in Windows) then a reinstall usually does result in total loss of data.
However, not all is lost. I have a little Sony box which takes a lap-top hard drive and turns it into an external USB drive (I paid £10 for it). So it may well be possible to remove the drive and use it connected to another PC in order to save the useful data.
Mine takes a 2.5 inch drive. Sadly I live in London which is not near you, but maybe there's someone a little nearer who has one and can help?
If you're desperate, and nobody nearer can help, I am happy to meet up and try this.
Cheers, Chris
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The man who's more anal than Kirstie - Turbanator |