safe mode
chkdsk
diagnostics
remove virus
restart.
WHAMMY
new pc
i would actually do things in a similar order
safe mode
spybot
avg antivirus
backup files to cd or usb key drive
reinstall windows if necessary
True or false reinstalling windows will not bring back my files???
the files are either still or on your hard drive, safely. or, they have been corrupted by a hard drive failure or virus.
most likely, your files are fine. a computer expert can retrieve your files for you regardless of the current state of your computer.
*sighs* w/ relief