This is a reminder to everyone else that backups are important. Through the years, I have made this same mistake severl times. Since CDRW has come along, backup has become a lot easier. I now backup My Documents, email address book and bookmarks every couple of weeks.

Now for the problem at hand. I think her windows installation is toasted. That would mean that you will have to access her data from externally. I can suggest a couple methods.

One would be to boot to Linux and copy critical files to CD.

Another is to remove her HD and change pin settings to slave and install it in your computer. You may have to go to bios to make sure that the drive is recognized by your computer. Once that is accomplished you should be able to save critical files.

With the Dell in this condition, you will need the Windows Key for a fresh install. Unless your friend was smart enough to keep that information in her records, you will need to contact Dell tech support for the key.

Good luck.