hieroglyphics names on some directories

I have a client whose 15 yr old did something to the hard drive (WinMe) and blew the system off the drive. The directories (the one I need …) MYdocuments, has her Thesis and a novel that she did not back up. Unfortunately she tried to commit suicide because of this. ( I would have killed the kid first) She DESPARATELY needs this info. Aside from sending the drive out ..(very expensive) is there any way to recover her doc files and CAD files (thesis files!!) ? I am not sure if there is a virusor what on the drive (Maxtor 8.2 GB) If anyone knows what I can do to help her either with a utility or maybe a cheaper disaster recovery company. Thanks beforehand.