Remove the HDD fit it to a Suitable USB Caddy and plug it into another Computer to read your Important data that [b]Can Not[/b] be lost. Backup to some permanent Media and safely store the Media so it doesn't get lost.
If you Do Not have another computer remove the HDD fit a new one and then fit the Old HDD to a Suitable USB External Caddy and reload your Computer with your Home Built Windows Install Disc. When it is reloaded along with the required drivers plug in the USB Caddy and read your Data off that. Again Save it to some permanent form of Media and store in a safe place.
If you have Password Protected your Files you may need to Take Ownership of them by following the Directions for Windows XP. As you didn't make mention of which version of Windows you have I'm guessing that it is the most common type currently and that is XP.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421
If you had XP Pro installed and where employing EFS [b]Do Not[/b] touch anything as you will destroy the Encryption Key and render your Data Useless or at least unreadable. Remove the HDD and take it to a Specialist Data Recovery House and get them to Copy off the Data & Encryption Key so that you may once again have access to your Data.
Once you have Backed up your Data in a Plain Format that is easily readable by a computer that means [b]Unencrypted[/b] if your Install Media is a copy of a M$ Branded Install Disc you can try a In Place Install by following the directions here.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341
But as you do not have the Option of any Data Loss you need to backup everything first. Or you run the risk of loosing part or all of it.
If you have a copy of a System Makers Recovery Disc or a Disc that you have Slipstreamed with a product like nLite you [b]Can Not[/b] perform a In Place Install so you will need to remove the HDD and backup your Data from there on something.
It probably would be better here if you just replace the Corrupt HDD with a New One that suits your NB and reload your NB. Then take the Old HDD and fit it to a Suitable HDD Enclosure ad read from that. Once you are certain that you have all of your Data Backed up format the HDD and copy your Data to that Unencrypted then using the Safely Remove Option in Windows shut down the HDD and remove it from the computer and store in a safe place. Only use this Drive to Save Data to on a Regular Basis to maintain your Data Integrity.
Remember there are only two types of Computer Users those whop have lost all of their Data and those who are going to Loose all of their Data. The more steps you take now not to fall into one of these two camps the safer your Data will remain.
If you where using Windows EFS read the following Directions provided by M$ on using EFS.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/241201
and how to import the EFS Recovery Agent Both are Required Reading before deploying EFS on any Windows System.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/887414/en-us
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