[JCWeb]

Ouch, that's terrible news. Something similar happened to me a few years back, and my computer guy was able to recover the data somehow, setting up a backup by re-formatting or partitioning the disk drive, something like that. Can't remember exactly what he did, but it worked to the extent I was able to recover the Universe and restart the game. Hopefully that can work for you as well.

EDIT: Also, I should add, my computer guy (an independent contractor) is very good about getting back right away, usually it's just a matter of a day or two and the repairs are done. No waiting around for a week or two as might happen with Best Buy or Geek Squad (have had no experience with the latter, but two weeks doesn't sound good).